PhD in Environmental Science or Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science is a 3-year Doctorate program that deals with the study of the environment in a chemical, biological, and physical context.This is also considered as a higher study of energy conservation, pollution, climatic changes, biodiversity, plastic menace, and global warming as it is a combination of both social science and natural science.
Course Level | Doctorate Degree |
Full-Form | Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science |
Duration | 3 years |
Examination Type | Semester-based or Annual |
Eligibility | Master’s Degree/ Post-graduation with a minimum of 55% |
Admission process | Merit-based / Entrance Examination |
Top Recruiting Companies | Wildlife Institute of India, Godrej, Discovery, etc. |
Job Positions | Wildlife Film-maker, Research Assistant, Environment Journalist, Forest Carbon Specialist, Conservation Hydrologist, Senior Program Officer, Environment Photographer, Waste Management Director, Senior Catastrophe Risk Modeler, Environment Management Analyst, Zoologist, Research Associate, Hydrologist, etc. |
PhD programs in Environmental Science may require applicants to take a standardized entrance exam, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). However, this requirement varies by institution, so it is important to check with the specific program for their admission requirements.
Entrance Exam |
CSIR UGC NET |
UGC NET |
IIT JAM |
GPAT |
VITMEE |
Admission to a PhD program in Environmental Science typically requires a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field, such as environmental science, biology, chemistry, physics, or engineering. Applicants may also need to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a writing sample. Some programs may require an interview or a research proposal.
Merit-Based Admission: | Most private universities that offer PhD Environmental Science courses usually admit students based on the marks secured at the master’s/ graduate degree. Besides that, these colleges may conduct a Personal Interview or a Written Test to further know the candidate’s skills. |
Entrance Exam Based: | Top PhD Colleges like Banaras Hindu University, Jawaharlal University, Amity University, etc. offer admission in the PhD Environmental Science program through entrance examinations that usually consist of MCQ based questions related to environmental oriented topics, helping the college to screen the deserving candidates for admission. |
Master’s Degree from any recognized university or institution with a minimum of 55% marks or an equivalent grade. |
For candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/ Differently-Abled and such other categories, 5% relaxation as per the decision of the UGC & Govt. of India will be accorded. |
However, an applicant with GATE/CSIR-UGC/JRF/NET/SLET cleared in the relevant subject is exempted from the Entrance Test. |
Candidates who have M.Phil degree from the UGC accredited universities are also exempted from entrance tests. |
The duration of a PhD program in Environmental Science typically ranges from 3 to 6 years, depending on the program and the student's progress. The program requires completion of advanced coursework, independent research, and a dissertation.
Selection criteria for admission to a PhD program in Environmental Science may include academic record, research experience, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, writing sample, standardized test scores (if required), and interviews.
1 | Applicants should consult the specific program's website or admissions office for information on how to apply. |
2 | Typically, applicants will need to submit an online application, transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and writing sample. |
3 | Some programs may require an application fee. It is important to check the application deadlines and requirements for each program, as they may vary. |
The application form for a PhD program in Environmental Science can usually be found on the program's website or through the university's admissions office. |
Applicants are typically required to submit an online application form, along with supporting documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a writing sample. |
Some programs may also require standardized test scores, such as the GRE or GMAT. |
The application fee for a PhD program in Environmental Science varies by institution and can range from Updated Soon.
Semester I
| Semester IV
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Semester II
| Semester V
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Semester III
| Semester VI
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Graduates of a PhD program in Environmental Science can pursue a variety of career paths, including academic research and teaching, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private industry. Some potential job titles and their corresponding median annual salaries (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) include:
Job Profile | Job Description |
Research Associate | The main job of a Research Associate is to involve in detailed analyses of projects and their effects on the environment. They also do research based on which they formulate techniques for the protection of the environment. |
Ecologist | They have responsibilities like generating environmental impact reports, habitat maintenance, teaching in schools, helping with legislation, conducting surveys, and various others. They are also involved in surveying ecosystems and creating assessments pertaining to the diversity, behavior, and population of the different organisms within the ecosystems. |
Zoologist | They are scientists who study living organisms, specifically animals, and often work in outdoor environments. |
Environmental Scientist | Environmental Scientist is an expert who studies the physical environment of objects. His work includes studying interactions among physical, chemical, and biological components of the environment. Environmental scientists focus on pollution and degradation of the environment related to human activities and their adverse impact on biodiversity and sustainability of nature. |
Hydrologist | These professionals work for the government agency or a private organization that studies water and its properties, availability, and cycle. Hydrologists help solve water-related issues like storm surges, floods, and droughts. |
Assistant Professor | They professionally engage in teaching the discipline to undergraduate/graduate students and assessing their academic performances. |
Some of the top colleges for a PhD in Environmental Science include:
Q.1 - What is the procedure for PhD Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.
Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?
ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.
Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?
ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.
Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?
ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.
Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.
Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?
ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?
ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.
Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?
ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.
Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?
ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.
Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?
ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.
Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?
ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.
Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?
ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.
Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?
ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.