Doctorate in Environment Science

About Course

Ph.D. (Environment Science) Courses, Eligibility, Admissions, Syllabus, Career Options, Frequently asked Questions.

Overview and About the Course:

Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science is the academic title for those with this degree. In order to research the environment and find solutions to environmental problems, environmental science incorporates physics, biology, and geography, according to Wikipedia. In this doctoral program, candidates can conduct specialised research on issues affecting the environment of the planet. The PhD programme includes the course.

The chemical, biological, and physical elements of the environment are frequently emphasised in the three-year Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science degree. Because it combines elements of social science and environmental science, it is also seen as a more sophisticated study of global warming, pollution, climate changes, biodiversity, and sustainable energy.

For individuals prepared to advance their knowledge and experience in areas crucial to make a significant impact in our battle against those elements harming the environment of the world, the PhD programme in Environmental Science is a superb research programme.

•    Candidates must choose their area of concentration within the vast subject of environmental science based on their level of knowledge and area of interest. Only a small percentage of them choose fields like sustainable development, energy conservation, conservation science, forestry management, ecosystems, marine biology, remote sensing, botany, etc.

•    Candidates can advance the subject of environmental science through their research by bringing about improvements in documentation, policy, teaching, or technology.

•    Starting this PhD programme requires submitting a research proposal to the relevant university. After passing the screening procedure and being accepted, students will take part in various prestigious seminars covering subjects related to their study area.

•    Our current environmental challenges, such as air and water pollution, global warming, soil erosion, deforestation, desertification, melting polar ice caps, and decreasing glacier ice cover, are the focus of the study and coursework.

•    The lectures are coupled with the applicants' original research and assignments. They must write a dissertation based on the research and then present a viva-voce defence of it before the dissertation committee.

The PhD programme requires a substantial amount of coursework, seminars, and theme papers. The applicants must select a specialty for their thesis study, which is another component of the programme. Studies on conserving soil, forests, and biodiversity, as well as water treatment and waste management, disaster management, biological nitrogen removal, freshwater biodiversity, and nanomaterials, are included in the field of specialty.

This course might last for a minimum of three years and a maximum of five years. The successful completion of a M.Sc. or M.Phil. in environmental science or a related field is the prerequisite for admission.

Course Highlights for Ph.D. in Environment Science:

Why to do Ph.D. in Environment Science?

•    Students who major in environmental studies gain the skills to think critically, creatively, and comprehensively about environmental challenges as well as prepare themselves for employment in academia, the public, commercial, or non-profit sectors.

•    They can work in educational settings including schools and universities as lecturers and teachers. They must meet all other UGC requirements and possess a NET pass certificate in order to be hired as a permanent lecturer.

•    Applicants that obtain a PhD are the most knowledgeable in their field of specialty. A part-time programme is an option for working professionals. However, a full-time schedule is advantageous since it allows for regular face-to-face interactions with the instructors and access to campus resources like labs and libraries.

•    Students who successfully complete the doctoral programme understand how both natural and artificial environmental systems function as well as what can be done to preserve and improve them.

Eligibility Criteria for Ph.D. in Environment Science?

The following are the typical requirements for a PhD in environmental science to be eligible for admission to a school providing this course:

•    Master's degree with a minimum of 55% overall or an equivalent grade from any accredited university or institution.

•    However, an applicant who has passed the appropriate subject's GATE, CSIR-UGC, JRF, NET, or SLET is exempt from the entrance test.

•    Candidates from the SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer), Differently Abled, and other relevant categories would receive a 5% relaxation, as determined by the UGC and the Government of India.

•    Applicants who hold an M.Phil. from a university recognised by the UGC are also free from taking entrance exams.

Skills Required for Ph.D. in Environment Science?

The typical duties of a PhD in Environmental Science graduate include selecting the most effective data collection techniques, carrying out field surveys and gathering data, interpreting data, creating thorough scientific reports or presentations, informing senior scientists and important stakeholders of the findings of their studies, creating plans to lessen or resolve environmental problems, and managing projects and budgets. Therefore, it's essential to master the following abilities:

•    Commercial awareness.
•    Observation skills and critical thinking.

•    Innovative thinking.
•    Good with statistics.
•    Written and oral communication skills.

•    Teamwork.
•    Problem-solving.

Tips to prepare for the entrance exam for Ph.D. in Environment Science?

•    Because some of these examinations are solely dependent on information related to the environment, students should be familiar with the whole curriculum of the entrance exam they will be taking.

•    Each college will have a different curriculum for the admission tests for PhDs in environmental science. However, environmental topic-oriented knowledge and abilities are the focus of the majority of tests.

•    Course books in environmental science are a useful source of study information for these tests.

•    Candidates for PhD Environmental Science entrance tests might think about purchasing study materials or previous year's PhD entrance test question papers and practising them.

Entrance Exams for Ph.D. in Environment Science:

Candidates seeking PhD programmes in environmental science may need to take an admission test at some universities.

Some of the well-liked PhD Environmental Science entry tests are listed here.

UGC NET Admission Test:

The UGC NET for JRF, commonly known as the National Eligibility Test (NET) or NTA-UGC-NET, is the examination used in Indian universities and colleges to determine applicants' eligibility for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) or Assistant Professor award.

CSIR UGC NET for JRF Entrance Exam: 

The National Testing Agency (NTA) administers the CSIR UGC NET exam at the national level on behalf of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), which selects candidates for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) or lectureship positions that are available in Indian universities and colleges.

JNU Admission Test:

The M.Phil. and PhD programmes of Jawaharlal Nehru University provide a variety of research specialisations. Candidates for PhD programmes must, at a minimum, possess a Master's degree. Each course's admission is determined by the entrance exam given by Jawaharlal Nehru University.

BHU Admission Test:

The admission test for Banaras Hindu University is known as BHU UET. For entry into a variety of programmes, including the PhD in Environmental Science, the test is administered.

Tips to get Admission in best colleges for Ph.D. in Environment Science:

The following considerations must be made in order to gain admission to top PhD environmental science programmes:

•    Applicants are narrowed down by the colleges through their various admission examinations and interviews.

•    The best approach to get into a decent PhD programme is to take the CSIR-NET and UGC-NET tests. For certain programmes, GATE is also a must.

•    A few private institutions that offer the course admit students according on how well they perform in the pertinent admission exam, which is followed by a round of personal interviews.

•    Candidates must do well on the relevant entrance tests in order to be admitted to a reputable college for the PhD Environmental Science programme.

•    Candidates who compete in M.Phil. programmes and have above-average grades may also be able to gain admission to reputable universities.

Top 10 Colleges with location in India for Ph.D. in Environment Science:

Top Colleges in Delhi for Ph.D. in Environment Science:

Top Government Colleges for Ph.D. in Environment Science:

Top Private Colleges for Ph.D. in Environment Science:

Syllabus to study for Ph.D. in Environment Science:

In first paper:

•    Investigation Methodology

In Second paper:

•    Microbial Enzymes and Bioremediation
•    Waste Management and Energy Generation Technologies

•    Energy Generation from Waste
•    Environmental Impact Assessment and Air Pollution 

•    Water Resources – Management and Modelling Techniques

•    Wastewater and Solid Waste Treatment Technologies

•    Plant Microbe Interaction for Sustainable Agriculture

•    Bio- remediation & Ecological Agriculture
•    Environmental Microbiology
•    Microbial Ecology

Paper ESP:

•    Providing a synopsis

•    Presentation and Literature Review

Distance Education for Ph.D. in Environment Science:

PhD programmes in environmental science are also offered by correspondence. This course is offered by a number of distance learning institutions via correspondence. The most well-known remote learning institution is IGNOU. For people who want to earn a degree while keeping their existing job, earning a PhD in environmental science via correspondence is helpful.

Details of IGNOU for the course Ph.D. in Environment Science:

•    IGNOU offers a Ph.D. that is completely legitimate and UGC-approved.

•    Candidates who are interested in enrolling in this programme must meet the minimal requirements for eligibility, which is a master's degree in any discipline with at least 55% marks. Candidates in the reserved categories and those with disabilities are given a 5% relaxation.

•    PhD environmental science courses are available via IGNOU for a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 6 years.

•    The age requirement for this course is neither minimum nor maximum.

•    The IGNOU's national entrance exam will be used to determine admissions.

Job Prospects and career options after Ph.D. in Environment Science:

A student has a wide range of employment options available to them after earning a degree in this area. It will be simple for them to get employment with the government, businesses, and a variety of other industries. They can also decide to work at colleges or universities as professors or lecturers.

•    There are several private businesses, including refineries, distilleries, food processing businesses, and fertiliser facilities, that provide graduates in this profession with a variety of employment options.

•    They can work for a variety of businesses in this field, including the Water Authority, Pollution Control Board, and Urban Planning.

•    They are eligible to apply for jobs in fertiliser factories as well as managerial positions at businesses that produce food.

•    Candidates may also join the organisations of their choosing; there are an increasing number of NGOs working on environmental concerns.

•    After completing the degree, there are several career paths available for individuals, including work in teaching and research in positions like ecologists, scientists, consultants, lecturers, technicians, research assistants, etc.

•    Additionally, graduates can find employment as environmental journalists at any newspaper, magazine, or television network.

Different job Profiles for Ph.D. in Environment Science:

Zoologist:

They are scientists who frequently work outside while researching living things, particularly animals.

Scientist in the Environment:

An specialist who investigates the physical surroundings of things is called an environmental scientist. He conducts research on the interplay between the environment's physical, chemical, and biological elements. Environmental scientists concentrate on how human activity affects biodiversity and the sustainability of nature by causing pollution and environmental deterioration.

Adjunct professor:

They professionally instruct undergraduate and graduate students in the field and evaluate their academic progress.

Ecologist:

They are accountable for producing environmental impact studies, maintaining habitats, instructing in classrooms, assisting with legislation, performing surveys, and a variety of other duties. Additionally, they are involved in surveying ecosystems and producing evaluations of the population, behaviour, and variety of the many creatures that make up such ecosystems.

Hydrologist:

These experts work for a public or commercial institution that investigates the characteristics, availability, and cycles of water. Storm surges, floods, and other water-related problems are addressed by hydrologists.

Scope after doing Ph.D. in Environment Science:

Students who enroll in a PhD programme in environmental science can learn how to use resources responsibly to safeguard the environment in a variety of ways.

•    The mining sector, food processing facilities, textile and dyeing businesses, fertiliser factories, etc. all employ environmental scientists.

•    It provides an abundance of employment prospects for environmental scientists as well as for environmental biologists, engineers, and journalists.

•    Potential environmental scientists have the option of working in the government or non-profit sectors of the research industry. Additionally, they have the chance to work in management, consultancy, and scientific research.

•    You can work as an independent environmental consultant or for any consultancy after earning a higher degree in environmental science, such as an MSc, M. Tech., or PhD. Environmental consulting firms like RAMKY, ENZEN, etc.

Frequently asked Question:

Question. Can PhDs in environmental science get employment in the private sector?

Answer. They can, in fact, pursue careers in the private sectors. Since businesses must discover environmentally friendly ways to dispose of garbage. As a result, they employ graduates like these to work on their garbage disposal or to develop uses for the waste materials. These steps are important to prevent the government from closing down these sectors.

Question. Which universities provide the best PhD programmes in environmental science?

Answer. Among others, Banaras Hindu University, Amity University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, University of Calcutta, and Banasthali Vidyapeeth are among the best universities and institutions offering the PhD in Environmental Science programme.

Question. Can someone with a PhD in environmental science launch their own business?

Answer. They can undoubtedly launch their own business. Numerous startups have been attempting to address environmental challenges by coming up with original solutions. Some of them are using the waste products and profiting from them. PhD holders are qualified to launch these enterprises and can also receive government funding since they have the expertise necessary to identify solutions to environmental issues.

Question. Exist any requests for PhDs in environmental science?

Answer. Yes, there is a great need for PhDs in environmental science today and in the future. Human progress is causing pollution and contamination of our environment. It is becoming increasingly important to uphold suitable standards and implement the essential controls. To safeguard our mother planet, environmental science research is therefore urgently needed.

Question. What professions in the subject of environmental science need a PhD?

Answer. Students can work in a variety of fields, including academic institutions, environmental protection firms, water treatment facilities, the agricultural industry, weather departments, writing for environmental publications, national parks and wildlife refuges, waste management facilities, etc.