A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Environmental Sciences and Policy is an advanced degree program that focuses on the study of the natural environment and the impact of human activities on it. This interdisciplinary field combines elements of environmental science, policy, law, economics, and social sciences to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues.
The program typically involves coursework in areas such as ecology, environmental chemistry, environmental law and policy, climate change, and sustainability, among others. In addition, students will also undertake original research in an area of their choice, culminating in a thesis or dissertation that demonstrates their mastery of the subject.
Graduates of a PhD program in Environmental Sciences and Policy are well-equipped to pursue careers in a variety of fields related to environmental research, management, and policy. These may include academia, government agencies, non-profit organizations, consulting firms, and private sector companies, among others.
Some specific areas where graduates can apply their skills and knowledge include climate change mitigation and adaptation, renewable energy, natural resource management, environmental policy analysis, environmental education and communication, and environmental law and regulation.
Course Level | Doctorate degree |
Full-Form | Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science |
Duration | 3 years |
Examination Type | Semester-based or Annual |
Eligibility Criteria | Master’s Degree/ Post-graduation with a minimum of 55% |
Admission process | Merit-based / Entrance Examination |
Job Role | 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. |
Here are some highlights of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Environmental Sciences and Policy program:
Interdisciplinary approach: This program combines various disciplines such as environmental science, policy, law, economics, and social sciences to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues.
Research-focused: PhD students are expected to undertake original research in an area of their choice, providing an opportunity to contribute to the existing body of knowledge in environmental sciences and policy.
Flexibility: PhD programs in Environmental Sciences and Policy often offer flexibility in terms of course selection, research topics, and timeline, allowing students to tailor their program to their interests and needs.
Career opportunities: Graduates of this program are well-equipped to pursue careers in academia, government agencies, non-profit organizations, consulting firms, and private sector companies, among others. They can work in a variety of fields related to environmental research, management, and policy.
Positive impact: By pursuing a PhD in Environmental Sciences and Policy, graduates have the potential to make a positive impact on the natural environment and society as a whole by developing and implementing policies and practices that protect and preserve our planet.
Collaboration and networking: PhD programs in Environmental Sciences and Policy provide opportunities for collaboration and networking with other professionals in the field, including professors, researchers, and practitioners. This can lead to potential collaborations and job opportunities after graduation.
The Environmental Studies program prepares students for careers in academia, the public, private, or nonprofit sectors by developing the ability to think critically, creatively, and holistically about environmental issues.
After completing the doctoral program, students will learn how natural and technological environmental systems work and what can be done to protect and develop them.
You can join an educational institution as a teacher or lecturer in a school or university. To become a full-time lecturer, you must have NET Pass certificate and other guidelines of UGC.
candidates can become the most talented people in their field after earning their Ph.D. Those who are working can also choose a part-time program. However, the full-time format is convenient as it allows for regular direct interaction with faculty and access to on-campus facilities such as laboratories and libraries.
PhD programs in Environmental Sciences and Policy may require applicants to take standardized tests such as the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) if English is not their first language. However, requirements vary between universities and it's best to check with the specific program for their admission criteria.
To be eligible for a PhD in Environmental Sciences and Policy, applicants are generally required to hold a Master's degree in a related field, although some programs may consider applicants with a Bachelor's degree. In addition, students are expected to have a strong academic background, relevant work experience, and research interests aligned with the program's focus.
The duration of a PhD program in Environmental Sciences and Policy varies depending on the institution and the student's progress but typically takes around 4-6 years to complete. The program includes coursework, research, and a dissertation.
PhD programs in Environmental Sciences and Policy typically have a highly competitive admissions process. Selection criteria may include academic performance, research experience and potential, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and fit with the program's research interests and faculty.
To apply for a PhD in Environmental Sciences and Policy, applicants must typically submit an online application, transcripts from all previous educational institutions, letters of recommendation, a personal statement outlining their research interests, and a resume or CV. Some programs may also require standardized test scores, writing samples, or interviews.
Applicants should check the specific admission requirements and deadlines of the program they are interested in and ensure they have met all the necessary criteria before submitting their application. It's also recommended to contact potential faculty advisors to discuss research interests and opportunities for funding and support.
The application process for a PhD in Environmental Sciences and Policy typically involves submitting an online application form along with supporting documents, which may include transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a CV or resume. Applicants should check the specific requirements of the program they are interested in and ensure they have met all the necessary criteria before submitting their application.
Merit-Based Admission | Utmost private universities that offer PhD Environmental Science courses generally admit scholars grounded on the marks secured at the master’s/ graduate degree. Besides that, these sodalities may conduct a particular Interview or a Written Test to further know the seeker’s chops. |
Entrance Exam Based | Utmost private universities that offer PhD Environmental Science courses generally admit scholars grounded on the marks secured at the master’s/ graduate degree. Besides that, these sodalities may conduct a particular Interview or a Written Test to further know the seeker’s chops. |
The application fee for a PhD in Environmental Sciences and Policy varies depending on the institution, but it is typically around $75-$100.
The syllabus for a PhD in Environmental Sciences and Policy varies depending on the program and the specific research interests of the student. However, common topics covered include environmental policy and law, ecology, environmental chemistry, climate change, sustainability, natural resource management, and environmental education and communication.
Paper | Subjects |
Paper 1 (Compulsory Paper) | Research Methodology |
Paper 2: One Optional Paper | Bio- remediation & 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 |
Graduates of a PhD in Environmental Sciences and Policy can pursue a wide range of career opportunities in academia, government agencies, non-profit organizations, consulting firms, and private sector companies. Salaries can vary depending on the field and location, but the average salary for an environmental scientist and specialist is around $72,000 per year, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Some career opportunities for graduates of a PhD in Environmental Sciences and Policy include:
Environmental scientist and specialist |
Environmental policy analyst |
Sustainability manager |
Climate change analyst |
Environmental Consultant |
Natural resource manager |
Environmental educator |
Environmental lawyer |
Government policy advisor |
Corporate sustainability officer |
Some top colleges for a PhD in Environmental Sciences and Policy include:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Stanford University University of California, Berkeley Yale University Harvard University University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Columbia University University of Wisconsin-Madison University of British Columbia University of Washington, Seattle |
it's important to research and compare programs to find the one that best fits your research interests, career goals, and personal preferences.
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DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
FAQs About Ph.D. Program
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.