Environmental

Environmental Studies as a course is vast and multi-faceted. Environment as a subject is of prime importance as given the current scenario of climate change caused due to depleting ozone layer, global warming, etc. It is becoming excessively important to raise awareness about issues impacting the environment and methods of protecting, preserving and sustaining the environment by utilising multiple channels such as Science, Technology, Law, to name a few. Environmental Studies is not a typical course pertaining to a particular stream. It is a vast field of study which is offered within streams like Science, Engineering, Architecture, Law, Management, among others.

What is Environmental Studies?

Environmental Studies is defined as a multidisciplinary academic field that systematically studies the nature and types of environment and the impact of human interaction and processes. The objective of Environmental Studies is to address various issues by connecting them with multiple disciplines such as Physical Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Commerce/Economics, Humanities/Social Sciences, Law, Management, etc.

Environmental Studies courses are offered at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. This course enables students to learn and inculcate theoretical and analytical knowledge and skills to understand and address various environmental issues and leave behind a more sustainable environment for future generations.

The scope of Environmental Studies also includes a study of the natural environment and built environment and the connection between both. The core subjects that are taught within the Environmental Studies courses include Ecology, Ethics, Geography, Anthropology, to name a few.

List of Environmental Studies Courses

As stated above, Environmental Studies is a multidisciplinary academic course, there are various courses from Science, Engineering, Humanities, Law and Management domains that are offered. Some of the top Environmental Studies courses are as follows:

• Bsc/Msc in Environmental Science
• BTech/MTech in Environmental Engineering
• BArch/MArch in Environment Architecture
• BA/MA in Environment Studies
• LLB/LLM in Environment Law
• MBA in Environment Management

Eligibility Criteria for Environmental Studies Courses

The eligibility criteria for Environmental Studies courses vary from programme to programme. It also depends on the level of the course, i.e. undergraduate or postgraduate. The course-wise eligibility criteria for Environmental Studies are given below:

Environmental Sciences: Candidates need to pass the Class 12 Board exam in Science stream (for bachelor’s degree or undergraduate courses admission) or have an undergraduate degree or diploma in an Environmental Science course (for master's degree or post-graduate programme admission). Ideally one should secure a minimum 55 per cent aggregate to be eligible for BSc/MSc Environmental Science courses.

Environmental Engineering or Architecture: For BE/BTech courses, candidates should have a minimum of 60 per cent aggregate (General) and 55 per cent aggregate (Reserved category) and clear an engineering entrance exam such as JEE Main, JEE Advanced, BITSAT, etc. For ME/MTech courses, candidates need to secure 60 per cent aggregate in their undergraduate course and clear GATE or NATA.

BA/MA in Environment Studies: Candidates need to pass the Class 12 Board exam in any stream (for bachelor’s degree or undergraduate programme admission) or have an undergraduate degree or diploma in an Environmental Studies course (for master's degree or post-graduate programme admission). Ideally one should secure a minimum of 55 per cent aggregate to be eligible for BA/MA Environmental Studies courses.

LLB/LLM in Environmental Studies:  Candidates should complete Class 12 from a recognised board with a minimum of 45-50 per cent aggregate. Some colleges may also ask candidates to have a graduation degree. For postgraduate courses, candidates should possess a UG Law degree from a recognised university with a minimum 45-55 per cent aggregate.

MBA in Environment Management: Candidates should have an undergraduate degree or diploma in any course, ideally, in a subject or stream related to Environmental Studies. However, there is no hindrance in admission if applicants have studied a non-environmental studies course in their graduation.

Admission Process for Environment Studies Courses

The admission to Environmental Studies courses takes place either through merit-based or entrance exam-based mode. The admission process varies from institute to institute or from course to course. Let us check the process for both modes here.

Merit-based Admission Process:  Institutes/universities conducting merit-based admission consider applicants’ past academic records such as Class 10, Class 12 Board exam (for undergraduate level courses) and graduation or bachelor’s degree course records (for postgraduate level courses).

Entrance-based Admission Process: Aspirants need to appear for the entrance exams for Environmental Studies programmes and qualify for those by securing the cut off marks. The qualified candidates will have to appear for the counselling or selection rounds for completing the final admission process.

Skillset Required to Pursue Environment Studies Courses

Students or aspirants who are interested in pursuing Environmental Studies courses in undergraduate or postgraduate courses must possess all or some of the following skill-sets:

• Numerical and computation ability

• Data analysis

• Information Technology

• Research and development

• Laboratory and fieldwork skills

• Awareness and consciousness regarding environmental issues

• Critical evaluation

• Teamwork

• Communication skills

Environmental Studies Course Duration and Fees

The following table brings the top Environmental Studies courses along with their average fees.

Top Colleges and Courses Offering Environmental Studies Courses

The table brings the list of top colleges offering Environmental Studies courses.

Environmental Studies Course Curriculum and Syllabus

The Environmental Studies curriculum and syllabus vary from course to course. The core subjects are as follows:

• Earth Systems Science

• Environmental Methods and Analysis

• Sustainable Agricultural Science

• Science of Climate Change

• Environmental Geography

• Energy and Society

• Global Environmental History

• Environmental Art and Architecture

• Sustainable Urban Planning

• Energy and Society

• General and Aquatic Ecology

• Environmental Anthropology

Career Opportunities, Job Prospects, Salary and Top Recruiters

There are a plethora of career opportunities one can opt for after completing the Environmental Studies course. The job roles and sectors may vary according to the stream or domain of study and the level of education.

Students can work in multiple sectors and roles pertaining to their education and the industry demand. Some of the top job roles and the estimated salary figures are given n the below table:

Some of the top recruiters are as follows:

• Environmental Consulting Firms

• NGOs

• Architecture firms

• Urban Planning Departments

• Water Management Authorities

• Academic Institutes

• Research Centres

• Pollution Control Board

• Tourism Sector and Departments

• Forest Departments

FAQs Regarding Environmental Studies

Q: What is Environmental Studies course and its importance?

A: Environmental Studies course is offered under multiple disciplines to teach about the structure and functions of different facets of earth and environment. The Environmental course deals with the understanding of different challenges and opportunities to develop sustainable solutions. Environmental Studies course is important, especially at the present times since the earth’s resources are dwindling and the condition of the environment is deteriorating. These courses ensure that the ecological balance is restored and maintained through scientific, social, economic and legal frameworks.

Q: What subjects are taught in Environmental Studies courses?

A: The major subjects that are taught in the Environmental Studies courses include Ecology, Earth Systems, Geosciences, Environmental Chemistry, Atmospheric Sciences, to name a few.

Q: What are the main objectives of Environmental Studies?

A: The main objective of studying Environmental Studies is to acquire comprehensive knowledge on environment as a whole and its related problems to create awareness among larger group of people. The objective also lies in developing the ability to evaluate measures for the improvement and protection of environment.
Q: What is the difference between Environmental Studies and Environmental Sciences?

A: Environmental Sciences refers to the course that studies the Scientific perspective of the types, problems and solutions. On the other hand, the Environmental Studies course is more holistic in nature. It is not restricted to a particular discipline and can be studied in multiple aspects and disciplines which may encompass science, engineering, technology, architecture, humanities, law and management. While Environmental Science is a part of Environment Studies, the latter is not just Environmental Science but a much broader discipline.

Q: What are the higher education opportunities after completing a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Education?

A: After completing a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, students can go for a master’s or postgraduate diploma or certificate programmes in Environmental Studies or an allied course or specialisation. After completing postgraduation, one can opt for MPhil and PhD.

Q: Is Environmental Studies a full-time course?

A: Yes, Environmental Studies can be pursued as a full-time course. However, one may opt for a part-time or certificate course in Environmental Studies or allied courses as well in addition to a full-time course in a related discipline.

Q: What are the eligibility criteria for studying Environmental Studies courses?

A: The basic eligibility criteria for Environmental Studies courses state that candidates should have passed the Class 12 Board exam from a recognised board with the minimum aggregate requirement which would be stated by the respective institutes or universities. For postgraduate courses, candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies or an allied course with the requisite aggregate, or qualify for entrance exams conducted for Environmental Studies courses.

Q: Is it mandatory to study Mathematics in Class 12 for studying Environmental Studies courses at the undergraduate level?

A: Generally for a Humanities course in Environmental Studies, it is not mandatory to study Mathematics in Class 12. But to study the course in other disciplines such as Science, Engineering, Law and Management, studying Mathematics in Class 12 level is a must.
Q: What are some of the top colleges offering Environmental Studies courses in India?

A: Some of the top colleges offering Environmental Studies courses in India include Jadavpur University Kolkata, Banaras Hindu University, DY Patil University Pune, NITIE Mumbai, Symbiosis International University, to name a few.

Q: Which industry sectors have a demand for Environmental Studies students and professionals?

A: The industry sectors which have a demand for Environmental Studies students and professionals include Textiles, FMCG, Real Estate, Engineering Services, Social Services, to name a few.

Q: Which are some of the top companies hiring students who have pursued Environmental Studies courses?

A: Some of the top companies hiring Environmental Studies students and professionals include Earth Water Limited, Gujarat Enviro Protection & Infrastructure Ltd., Nalco Water India Ltd., Swelect Energy Systems Ltd., Enviro Control Associates India Private. Ltd., to name a few.