Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science Top Colleges, Syllabus, Scope and Salary

Ph.D. in Environmental Science is a 3 to 5-year long full-time postgraduate course, the minimum eligibility for admission to which is the successful completion of M.Sc. or M.Phil. in Environmental Science or other related fields. The course usually lasts for 3 years, depending on the institute offering the course.

Admission to the course is based on the candidate’s performance in a relevant entrance test and subsequent round of interview.

Such postgraduates are hired in capacities such as Lecturers, Ecologist, Geographer, Conservation Scientist, Hydrologist, Energy Conservationist, Climate Change Analyst, Botanist, Wildlife Biologist, and so on. Postgraduates interested in pursuing higher studies in the discipline can opt for further scientific research in the subject, and positions in management and consultancy services are available for those interested in pursuing the discipline professionally.

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The average tuition fee charged for the course in India ranges between INR 10,000 and 2.4 Lacs for a span of 3 years, and the average annual salary offered to such professionals ranges between INR 8 and 12 Lacs, increasing with experience and expertise.

Ph.D. in Environmental Science: Course Highlights

Aspiring candidates must take note of the following important highlights regarding PH.D. in Environmental Science.

Course level	Postgraduate
Duration	3 to 5 years
Examination type	Comprehensive at regular intervals
Eligibility	Post-graduation (M.Sc. or M.Phil. in Environmental Science) or other related fields.
Admission process	Based on cumulative score obtained in entrance test and round of interview
Course fee	INR 10,000 to 2.4 lacs per annum
Average starting salary	INR 5 lakhs to 12 lacs per annum
Top Recruiting companies	Godrej, Wildlife Institute of India, etc.
Job Positions	Research Associate, Zoologist, Hydrologist, and such.

Ph.D. in Environmental Science: What is it About?

Ph.D. in Environmental Science is essentially an advanced study of our natural and man-made environments. It draws from diverse fields of study and requires a strong background in the more traditional sciences including Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, Ecology, and even Biotechnology.

The course’s curriculum requires the successful completion of research work in areas of current environmental interest, such as global warming, pollution of air and water, soil erosion, desertification, deforestation, melting polar caps, and declining ice cover in glaciers, besides other varied topics such as waste management, sewage treatment, etc. The course can also be pursued part-time across some institutes in India.

Top Institutes offering Ph.D. in Environmental Science

Tabulated here are the names and corresponding details of some of the top institutes in India offering Ph.D. in Environmental Science.

Name of the Institute	City	Average Fees
University of Calcutta	Kolkata	INR 15,000 (Course)
Agra University	Agra	INR 75,000 (Course)
DY Patil University	Mumbai	INR 1 lakh (Course)
Allahabad University	Allahabad	INR 10,000 (Course)
Panjab University	Chandigarh	INR 30,000 (Course)
Osmania University	Hyderabad	INR 20000 (Course)
Lovely Professional University	Jalandhar	INR 2.4 lacs (Course)
Nalanda University	Patna	INR 1.5 lacs (Course)

Eligibility for Ph.D. in Environmental Science

Candidates wishing to apply for the course need to fulfil the following minimum eligibility criteria:

• Completion of post-graduation (M.Sc. or M.Phil.) in Environmental Science or other related fields from a recognized university.
• A minimum aggregate score of 55 % at the Master's degree level.
• Preferably, Chemistry as one of the main subjects at the level of post-graduation.

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Ph.D. in Environmental Science: Admission Process

Most institutes offering the course admit students based on their performance in a relevant entrance test followed by a round of Personal Interview. Admission process generally varies across colleges.

Candidates are selected based on performance in the Research Eligibility Test (RET) and interview conducted by a given institute.

Candidates who have already qualified UGC/ CSIR (JRF)/ NET/ GATE/ M.Phil./ M.Tech., or equivalent examinations, are not required to appear for the Ph.D. entrance test, but need to appear for the round of Personal Interview.

Some of the top institutes in India which conduct entrance tests for admission to the course are:

• University of Calcutta
• Agra University
• Osmania University

Ph.D. in Environmental Science: Syllabus and Course Description

Ph.D. in Environmental Science primarily comprises 3 subjects, each of which is marked separately. The student is allotted credits based on performance. These subjects span the whole duration of the course.

Subjects of study

Research Methodology

Subject of specialization

Review of literature

All subjects require the qualification of a written examination followed by submission of a presentation. Enrolled candidates are needed to submit a synopsis/presentation of the completed research project (in consultation with the Ph.D. guide approved and allocated by the concerned university) before the Doctoral Research Committee (DRC) within a stipulated duration from the date of admission (date is set by the university).

Ph.D. in Environmental Science: Career Prospects

Successful completion of the course opens many professional avenues for candidates, such as jobs in teaching and research, in roles such as Ecologist, Lecturer, Scientists, Consultants, Technician, Research Assistant, etc. Such Environment Scientists also join any of the various research sectors in government or non-profit organizations.

They are also hired in management, consulting services, and in roles concerning scientific research.

They can become proficient in advanced research methods and develop expertise in a chosen dissertation topic.

Substantial knowledge in a primary Environmental Science concentration can also be acquired.

Owing to the growing industrialization and the consequent need to check the aggravating pollution levels, opportunities in industries are increasingly growing towards roles needed for sustainable growth initiatives.

To further delve into research, students can pursue Ph.D. in Environmental Science in other fields as well to understand ecology as a whole.

Some of the popular professional avenues open to successful postgraduates of the course are listed below with the corresponding salaries offered for the respective positions.

Job Position	Job Description	Average Annual Pay Scale in INR
Environmental Consultant	An Environment Consultant conducts Environmental Risk Analysis, and documents the subsequent findings. They must be proficient in applying knowledge of Environment and Safety Legislation and trained in Information Security auditing.	6 lacs
Research Associate	The role of a Research Associate involves detailed analyses of projects and their effects on the environment. Also, they research, based on which they formulate techniques for protection of the environment.	5 lacs
Assistant Professor	They professionally engage in teaching the discipline to undergraduate/graduate students and assessing their academic performances.	6.5 lacs
Naturalist	Naturalists lead and create nature interpretation programmes through eco trails for a concerned organisation in India and abroad. They plan, organise, and conduct trainings for groups of volunteers on nature interpretation and conduct nature trails.	8 lacs
Ecologist	Ecologists are responsible for surveying ecosystems and creating assessments pertaining to the diversity, behaviour and population of the different organisms within the ecosystems. Other responsibilities include generating environmental impact reports, habitat maintenance, teaching in schools, helping with legislation, conducting surveys, and various others.	7 lacs
Zoologist	Zoologists are scientists who study living organisms, specifically animals, and often work in outdoor environments.	10 lacs
Hydrologist	A Hydrologist works for a government agency or a private organization, and studies water, its properties, availability, and cycle. When relevant problems occur, Hydrologists help solve such issues. Some typical issues include storm surges, floods, and droughts.	9 lacs

Aspirants seeking admission to 3 Years Full-Time Ph.D. Program must have completed Post Graduation from the recognised Institute or University.