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A Ph.D. in Environmental Science is a Doctorate degree course, the main area of concentration being environmental systems or problems, from a multi disciplinary perspective that includes natural sciences as well as social sciences. They include the opportunity to embark on sophisticated studies, collect and examine different qualitative and quantitative data by employing such methods as qualitative, quantitative, spatial, among others and gain specialization in one of the sub-disciplines of environmental science.
A Ph.D. in Environmental Science program may take between four to six years to complete depending on the program flexibility as well as the time used in research and writing the thesis. The degree usually takes 2 years of class attendance for full-time students and the rest of the year is spent in writing a dissertation that is an original piece reflecting the knowledge of the discipline acquired by the candidate. There are various entrance tests which are widely recognized for admission to the Ph.D. Environmental Science programs such as the GRE (Graduate Record Examination), GRE subject test in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science |
| Duration | Typically 3-5 years (6-10 semesters) |
| Course Level | Doctoral |
| Eligibility | Master's degree (M.Sc. or M.Phil.) in Environmental Science or a related field (e.g., Ecology, Chemistry, Geography) with a minimum percentage of marks (varies by university) |
| Top Colleges (India) | Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore, Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) (various locations), University of Delhi (DU) Environmental Science Department, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) School of Environmental Sciences, National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) Bangalore |
| Entrance Exam | Many universities conduct entrance exams specifically for Ph.D. programs (may be university specific), while some base admission on merit (M.Sc./M.Phil. marks) and a research proposal. |
1. Minimum eligibility requirement for the program is that the candidate must have a master’s degree in environmental science or any other relevant fields/subjects like ecology, geology, etc.
2. Applicants holding a Bachelor of Science degree in the field may also be deemed qualified if they have submitted one or more papers of high quality in the field as well.
3. It is necessary to administer entrance exams such as CSIR-UGC NET for LS/NET-JRF for fellowships at the national level as well as respective university level tests.
4. Candidate must have academic backgrounds, relevant research experience in environment, and familiarity with research techniques and procedures.
5. It is imperative that one is proficient in reading and writing English and possesses sound analytical and data manipulation abilities.
6. Another significant requirement pertains to motivation statement demonstrating research interests relevant to the department focus areas and proposed supervisors. Recommendation letters also do form part of the scores that a candidate is awarded.
1. CSIR-NET: Understands the research ability and subject knowledge of the candidate. Qualifies for research fellowships.
2. GATE: – It is a test to check the proficiency level in science and maths. Is admitted in postgraduate courses and eligible for loans.
3. This test measures aptitude in environmental science and technology, under the IIT joint admission and merit test. Admission to integrated, PhD programs at IITs.
4. JNUEE – It serves as a testing of the candidate’s research ability and subject knowledge. The above bio data and mark sheets qualify him/her for admission to PhD programme in JNU.
5. TIFR GS – This test evaluates the research ability and logical analysis ability in the candidate. To join an integrated PhD programme in any of the fields offered at TIFR.
| Subject | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Environmental Science Core | Environmental Pollution (Air, Water, Soil), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Sustainability Science, Environmental Policy & Law |
| Research Methodology | Advanced Research Design & Statistics, Environmental Data Analysis Techniques, Scientific Writing & Communication, Ethical Considerations in Environmental Research |
| Elective Courses (Depending on University & Specialization) | Environmental Biotechnology, Climate Change Science & Mitigation, Environmental Toxicology & Risk Assessment, Environmental Monitoring & Modelling, Conservation Biology & Ecosystem Management |
| Ph.D. Research | Independent research project under the guidance of a supervisor, culminating in a dissertation focusing on a specific environmental science topic. |
1. Research on some of the Environmental Science Ph.D. programs and get to know professors and research areas of your choice. Before the orientation meet some of the faculty members you will be studying with as a way of getting acquainted with them.
2. Satisfy any registration requirements for the GRE and TOEFL or IELTS for international students as needed. Obtain passing grades to show numerical, language, and writing skills Necessary tools: Calculator, dictionary.
3. Write an objective to focus on the research interest and the accomplishments. Tailor to each program. List any relevant course taught, projects completed, or published papers if possible.
4. Secure good reference letters from prior professors or employers who can assess your academic performance and research aptitudes.
5. Simply forward all your documents such as the transcript, test scores, statement of purpose, reference letters, resume/CV, and any other supporting documents as may be deemed necessary.
6. In admissions interviews, if invited, highlight on your knowledge, passion and suitability to the program. To use still more to explain strengths and to express real curiosity.
| Rank | College Name | Location | Estimated Annual Fees (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore | Bangalore | Exempted (Semester fees only) |
| 2 | Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) | Various Locations | 30,000 - 50,000 |
| 3 | University of Delhi (DU) Environmental Science Department | Delhi | 10,000 - 15,000 |
| 4 | Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) School of Environmental Sciences | Delhi | 8,000 - 13,000 |
| 5 | Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Institute of Environment & Sustainable Development | Varanasi | 8,000 - 15,000 |
| 6 | University of Calcutta (Centre for Environmental Studies) | Kolkata | 5,000 - 10,000 |
| 7 | University of Mumbai (Department of Environmental Science) | Mumbai | 12,000 - 20,000 |
| 8 | Pondicherry University (Department of Geoinformatics and Environmental Management) | Puducherry | Not Available* |
| 9 | Central Universities with Environmental Science Departments | Various Locations | Not Available* |
| 10 | Aligarh Muslim University (Department of Environmental Biology) | Aligarh | 8,000 - 14,000 |
| Specialization | Job Titles | Average Salary (₹ LPA) |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Policy & Management | Environmental Consultant, Sustainability Policy Analyst | 7.0 - 12.0 |
| Climate Change Science | Climate Change Researcher, Research Scientist (Climate Change) | 8.0 - 14.0 |
| Environmental Pollution Control | Pollution Control Specialist, Environmental Engineer | 6.0 - 10.0 |
| Environmental Biotechnology | Environmental Microbiologist, Bioremediation Scientist | 5.0 - 8.0 (Starting Salary) |
| Conservation Biology | Conservation Scientist, Research Fellow (Wildlife Conservation) | 5.0 - 8.0 |
