About PhD Environmental Science Admission

PhD in Environmental Science course means Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science. According to Wikipedia, "Environmental science is an interdisciplinary academic field that integrates physics, biology, and geography to study the environment and the solution of environmental problems." It is a doctorate course where the candidates can do specialized research on the concerns causing harm to the earth's environment. The course falls under the umbrella of PhD.

Why study PhD Environmental Science?

Environmental studies train students for careers in the academic, public, private, or non-profit sectors and have the ability to think critically, creatively, and holistically about environmental issues.

After passing the doctorate course, students learn how natural and engineered environmental systems work and what one can do to protect and develop them.

They can join educational institutions as teachers and lecturers in schools and universities. To become a permanent lecturer, they should have a NET pass certificate and the other guidelines of UGC.

Candidates after earning their PhD degree can become the most skilled in their area of specialization. Working professionals can opt for a part-time program. However, a full-time format helps, as you get to do regular face-to-face interaction with the faculty and can use facilities such as laboratories and libraries available on the campus.

PhD Environmental Science Syllabus

Although the PhD Environmental Science course curriculum varies from college to college, it mostly consists of some common foundation courses that students can select based on their interests.

The table below shows the syllabus according to Banaras Hindu University:

Paper 1 (Compulsory Paper)

• Research Methodology

Paper 2: One Optional Paper

• Bioremediation & Ecological Agriculture
• Environmental Microbiology
• Microbial Ecology
• Microbial Enzymes and Bioremediation
• Waste Management and Energy Generation Technologies
• Energy Generation from Waste
• Environmental Impact Assessment and Air Pollution 
• Water Resources – Management and Modeling Techniques
• Wastewater and Solid Waste Treatment Technologies
• Plant-Microbe Interaction for Sustainable Agriculture

Paper ESP

• Presentation and Review of Literature

Paper ESP

• Presentation of Synopsis

Eligibility Criteria for PhD Environmental Science

The following are the common PhD Environmental Science eligibility criteria for getting accepted into a good college. Master's degree with a minimum of 55% or equivalent grade from any recognized university or institution. Candidates belonging to the SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled and other categories will be given a 5% relaxation, as decided by the UGC and the Government of India.

Apart from the above baseline criteria, Each college may have its own criteria for evaluating prospective students.

How To Get Admission for PhD Environmental Science?

After earning an M.Sc. or M.Phil, in environmental science or a related discipline, students can apply for a PhD in environmental science through both entrance exams. Those holding an M.Phil degree are exempt from taking the entrance exam, but all other postgraduates must take the entrance and interview.

Though the admissions procedure differs for each college, the following are the stages that Aspirants should follow to gain admission.

How to Apply?

Admission to the PhD program in Environmental Science is determined by a candidate's performance on a relevant entrance exam and subsequent interviews. The easiest way to get into a decent PhD college is to take the CSIR-NET and UGC-NET tests, and for some colleges, GATE is also required. A few private institutes offer the course, and students are admitted based on their performance in a relevant admission exam, followed by a round of Personal Interviews.

Selection Process

Most admissions decisions are made on merit, which is assessed by a candidate's performance in state, national, or institutional entrance exams. The second round of counseling at certain institutes consists of a group discussion followed by a personal interview. A final merit list is developed and issued when all of these rounds are completed, certifying a candidate's acceptance.

Types of PhD Environmental Science

Aspirants can pursue the PhD Environmental Science course full-time or part-time. Below are the types of PhD Environmental Science courses in detail:

Full-Time PhD Environmental Science

A full-time PhD programme is a three-year program in which students must attend regular classes. The classes are held in person, and students will be required to visit the college to complete them.

Part-Time PhD Environmental Science

A part-time PhD in Environmental Science is a doctorate programme for students who cannot commit to regular attendance. Students can study according to their schedules in this way.

Distance PhD Environmental Science

PhD Environmental Science is also available as a correspondence programme. This course is available through correspondence from a variety of remote learning institutes. IGNOU is the most well-known of the distance learning institutions. PhD Environmental Science through correspondence is advantageous for those who desire to get a degree while maintaining their current employment.

Popular Entrance Exams for PhD Environmental Science

These colleges hold entrance tests since admission is greater than the number of seats available. Some of the most common tests are listed below:

• CSIR UGC NET for JRF Entrance Exam
• UGC NET Entrance Exam
• JNU Entrance Exam
• BHU Entrance Exam

How to Prepare for a PhD Environmental Science Entrance Exam?

The syllabus for PhD Environmental Science entrance exams will vary from college to college. However, most exams concentrate on environmental topic-oriented knowledge and skills.

Students should know the entire syllabus of the entrance exam which they are going to give because some of these exams are purely based on environmental oriented knowledge.

Candidates should consider buying study material or previous year’s PhD entrance test question paper and practice them for PhD Environmental Science entrance exams so that they prepare well for the same.

Environmental Science course books also constitute a good study material for these exams.

PhD Environmental Science Job Prospects and Career Options

After getting a degree in this field, a candidate can get a variety of careers to choose from. It will be easy for them to work for the government and private organizations and many other industries. They can also choose to teach as a professor or lecturer in colleges or universities.

They can be employed by various organizations such as Water Authority, Pollution Control Board, and Urban Planning in this sector.

A lot of private organizations are there such as Refineries, Distilleries, Food processing industries, and Fertilizer plants that are offering various job opportunities for graduates in this field.

They can apply for jobs in fertilizer plants and can also work in food processing companies as Managers. 

The graduates can also work in this field as Environmental Journalists in any newspaper, magazine, or television station.  

Candidates can also join the organizations as per their choice a lot of NGOs are growing in working on the issues regarding the environment.

It has many professional avenues for candidates like jobs in teaching and research, in roles such as Ecologist, Scientist, Consultant, Lecturer, Technician, Research Assistant, etc. after completion of the course.

1. Research Associate
2. Ecologist
3. Zoologist
4. Environmental Scientist
5. Hydrologist
6. Assistant Professor

PhD Environmental Science Future Scope

The PhD program in Environmental Science is the branch of study where students can find a number of ways to protect the environment with the reliable use of resources.

It offers a plethora of job opportunities for environmental scientists as well as for environmental biologists, environmental engineers, environmental modelers, and environmental journalists.

Environmental scientists are hired by the fertilizer plants, mines, textile and dyeing industry, food processing units, etc.

There are possibilities of joining the research sector in the government or non-profit organizations for potential environmental scientists. They also have the opportunity to get positions in management, consulting services, and doing scientific research.

After completion of a higher degree like MSc, M. Tech, and PhD in Environmental science, you can work as independent environmental consultants or work for any consultancy. For example, ecological consultancies like RAMKY, ENZEN, etc.

Almost all the universities and Government research organizations have an Environmental Department. They can start working as JRF or Project Assistants for various projects.