A PhD in Environmental Biology is a research-focused degree program that trains students to become experts in the fields of ecology, conservation biology, and environmental science. The program typically takes four to six years to complete and requires students to conduct original research and write a dissertation on their findings.
During the program, students will take advanced courses in ecology, environmental science, and statistics. They will also work closely with faculty members to design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and write research papers. Some common areas of research in environmental biology include:
Conservation biology: The study of how to protect and preserve endangered species and their habitats.
Ecotoxicology: The study of the effects of pollutants on ecosystems and the organisms that live within them.
Climate change ecology: The study of how climate change affects the behavior, physiology, and distribution of organisms.
Landscape ecology: The study of how landscapes affect ecological processes and patterns.
Restoration ecology: The study of how to restore degraded ecosystems to their original state.
Graduates of a PhD program in Environmental Biology typically go on to careers in academia, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private industry. Some common job titles for graduates include professor, researcher, conservation biologist, ecologist, and environmental consultant.
Stream | Doctor of Philosophy |
Course Name | PhD in Environmental Biology |
Course Full Name | Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Biology |
Eligibility Criteria | Master in relevant Subject with 55 % marks |
Course Duration | 3 Years |
Course Fee | Notified Soon |
Course Type | Degree |
Mode | Year |
The application form for a PhD program in Environmental Biology can typically be found on the university or college's website.
The application form will require students to provide personal information, academic history, test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
The application process for a PhD program in Environmental Biology typically involves the following steps:
The application fee for a PhD program in Environmental Biology varies depending on the institution. Typically, the fee ranges from Notified Soon. |
Research Scientist: PhD graduates can work as research scientists in environmental research institutions, universities, government agencies, or non-profit organizations. They research topics such as biodiversity conservation, ecosystem dynamics, climate change impacts, pollution remediation, and habitat restoration, contributing to scientific understanding and informing environmental management practices.
Academic Professor/Researcher: Many PhD holders pursue academic careers as professors or researchers at universities and colleges. They teach courses in environmental biology, mentor graduate students, and research topics such as population ecology, ecological modeling, conservation genetics, and ecosystem services, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field.
Conservation Biologist: Graduates may work as conservation biologists for conservation organizations, wildlife agencies, or environmental consulting firms. They develop and implement conservation plans, conduct population surveys, monitor endangered species, and design habitat restoration projects to protect and preserve biodiversity and natural ecosystems.
Environmental Consultant: PhD holders can work as environmental consultants, providing expertise to government agencies, industry, and non-profit organizations on environmental assessment, impact analysis, and regulatory compliance. They assess the environmental impacts of development projects, recommend mitigation measures, and facilitate stakeholder engagement to promote sustainable development practices.
Wildlife Biologist: Individuals with a PhD in Environmental Biology may specialize in wildlife biology, studying the behavior, ecology, and conservation of wild animals. They conduct field research, monitor wildlife populations, and develop management strategies to conserve and manage wildlife habitats, mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, and promote biodiversity conservation.
Environmental Policy Analyst: PhD graduates can work as environmental policy analysts or advisers for government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy groups. They research environmental issues, analyze policy options, and provide recommendations to policymakers on topics such as land use planning, pollution control, renewable energy, and climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Ecosystem Ecologist: Graduates may specialize in ecosystem ecology, studying the interactions between organisms and their environment at the ecosystem level. They investigate nutrient cycling, energy flow, and ecosystem dynamics in terrestrial, aquatic, and marine ecosystems, and assess the impacts of human activities on ecosystem structure and function.
Environmental Educator: PhD holders can work as environmental educators or outreach coordinators for environmental education centers, parks, museums, or non-profit organizations. They develop educational programs, lead interpretive tours, and engage the public in hands-on learning experiences to raise awareness about environmental issues, promote conservation ethics, and inspire stewardship of natural resources.
Climate Change Scientist: Individuals with a PhD in Environmental Biology may focus on climate change research, studying the impacts of climate change on ecosystems, species distributions, and ecological processes. They assess vulnerability and resilience to climate change, develop adaptation strategies, and contribute to climate change mitigation efforts through research, education, and advocacy.
Environmental Health Specialist: PhD graduates may work as environmental health specialists for public health agencies, conducting research on environmental exposures and health outcomes, assessing environmental risks, and developing strategies to protect human health from environmental hazards such as air and water pollution, toxic chemicals, and emerging contaminants.
Professor or research scientist at a university or research institution. |
Ecologist or conservation biologist at a government agency, such as the Environmental Protection Agency or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. |
Environmental consultant for a private industry or non-profit organization. |
Restoration ecologist for a land management agency or conservation organization. |
Some of the top colleges for a PhD program in Environmental Biology include:
Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D. 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.