What is Environmental Science?: Course Fees 2025, Subjects, Top Colleges, Admissions

Environmental Science is related study to environment with human societies, Biology soil, ecosystem, water resource, earth, energy, climate, environment management and other. These courses help students understand the environment, the impact of human activities on it, and ways to mitigate and manage environmental issues. 

Students interested in pursuing an Environmental Science course must possess certain skills that will help them in their careers. They require a combination of hard and soft skills. Mentioned below are the attributes essential for Environmental Science.

• Knowledge about Environmental issues
• Analytical Skills
• Technical Knowledge
• Organisation Skills
• Research ability

There has been a growing demand of Environmental Specialists as challenges like global warming, pollution, increasing population, waste disposal, etc., are increasing globally. Environmental professionals help in driving positive change and finding innovative solutions to protect and conserve natural resources and environment.

Several emerging trends are influencing Environmental Science. There is a growing emphasis on risk assessment and adaptation, sustainable development, extreme events, and air pollution, while focus on areas like infectious disease, and phenology is decreasing. Global challenges such as natural resource depletion, global warming, air and water pollution, and eco-friendly waste and wastewater treatment are becoming key topics.

You can study an Environmental Science course after Class 12 (or equivalent high school education). Environmental Science course is offered at the undergraduate level, and many universities and colleges around the world provide Bachelor's degree programs (BSc) in Environmental Science or related fields.

Additionally, some institutions may offer specialised programs or majors within Environmental Science, such as Environmental Engineering, Environmental Policy, or Conservation Biology. Be sure to explore the specific areas of interest within Environmental Science that align with one’s career goals.

Hello, It depends on the college you opt for. While mostly colleges offering Environmental Science courses don't give the flexibility of choosing unrelated subjects say Maths and Environmental Science. But in a few, they give many options to choose from. Hence if you are in such an institution, then you can study the courses you wish for.

Eligibility criteria for a BSc in Environmental Science can vary depending on the university or college offering the program. However, the basic criteria is to complete Class 12 in Science subjects such as Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The minimum aggregate score required is 50% from a recognised board.

No, there is no specific age limit to apply for a PhD in Environmental Science, but there are other eligibility criteria that you must meet:
You must have a master's degree in a relevant field from a UGC-approved university with a minimum qualifying score. The minimum qualifying score is usually 55%, but there may be a relaxation of 5% for SC/ST/OBC/PWD candidates.

There are various strategies which can increase the chances of qualifying. One of the most remarkable practice which produces good result is solve previous year ICAR AIEEA PG question paper

It will help students to compose their strategy of question solving in less time and help to understand the trend of the questions. Since the syllabus remains same so some times even same questions are repeated in the exam which helps students to take an edge over others. 

No, it is not mandatory to attempt all questions in GATE. Attempt only those which you are sure of, as the exam follows negative marking. However, you can still put some guesswork for NATs and MSQs, as there is no negative marking for this. 

Negative marking is only applicable on MCQ questions. where 1/3rd mark will be deducted for 1 mark question and 2/3rd mark will be deducted for 2-mark question.

The difficulty level of the CUET exam varies between moderate and tough. Since the CUET UG exam is held for multiple subjects and slots, the difficulty level of the exam varies from subject to subject. Sometimes, the difficulty level may also vary for different slots. While for the well-prepared candidates, the difficulty level will be low, for the underprepared students, the level of difficulty will be on the higher side. 

The Science stream as includes subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology provides a strong foundation for Environmental Science. This stream is well-suited for those who want to delve deep into the scientific aspects of environmental study, including Ecology, Biology, and Chemistry. Environmental Science is a multidisciplinary field, and individuals can pursue it after completing various school streams. Further, the choice of school stream depends on your interests and career goals within Environmental Science.

Ecology, Atmospheric Science, Hydrology, Geology, Environmental Chemistry, and Environmental Policy and Management are some popular subjects covered under Environmental Science courses, however, Environmental Science course syllabus varies according to the course level.

The curriculum of Environmental Science encompasses a broad range of topics. It includes the study of natural resources,  biodiversity, and conservation. Students learn about environmental pollution and the social issues associated with it. The course also covers environmental policies and legislation.

In addition, the curriculum also provides insight into sustainable development and environmental management. Students are taught practical solutions to environmental problems. Fieldwork and case studies form an integral part of the course,  providing students with hands-on experience. It prepares students for diverse career opportunities in Environmental Science.

The Environmental Science course can be pursued at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. Since the Environmental Science course is an interdisciplinary one, it can be pursued not just as a Science discipline but under the umbrella of Law and Management domains as well.

The Environment Science course incorporates design and technology which will help in solving environmental issues and environmental quality. The issues of pollution, mitigation, natural resources, and energy systems are incorporated into the study of the Environmental Science course. It is an ever-evolving field with a never-ending scope of learning and research. 

The MSc Environmental Science is concerned with the socioeconomic, scientific, technological, and policy-based issues concerning the environment and resource management. The MSc Environmental Science was established with the concept of sustainable development in mind and a concentration on research and application. MSc in Environmental Science meets the growing demand for knowledgeable professionals capable of developing new solutions for a more balanced future in the world.

There are a few colleges in India offering Distance Environmental Science programs at various levels. Candidates can take a look at the table below to find some good options:

Note: The information is sourced from the official body and may vary.

There are more than 400 Environmental Science colleges in India and the fee structure of every college vary depending on its infrastrcture, college rating, course level or type offered, etc. The average fee starts from INR 420 and goes up to INR 18 Lakh.

Among hundreds of Environmental Science colleges in India, here are some top options for the best placement opportunities:

Note: This information is sourced from the official/counselling body and may vary.

There are more than 450 Environmental Science colleges in India, where students can choose to pursue an education at various course levels. There are 197 government institutes that offer Environmental Science courses and 188 private colleges. Students can get admission to these colleges on a merit basis or through entrance exams like CUET, CUET PG, and UGC NET.

MSc Environmental Science graduates in India can explore various career opportunities across different sectors. Here are some common job options for individuals with a Master's degree in Environmental Science:

Industries, distilleries, fertilizer plants, mines, refineries, textile mills, Social Development, Research and Development, Forest and Wildlife Management, NGOs, Pollution Control Boards, Urban Planning, Water Resources and Agriculture, Public Institutions and Private Industries and Firms, Colleges and Universities, and Ministry of Environment and Forests are some governmental organisation options gradautes can seek employment for.

Environmental Science students can seek employment options in various fields across the globe. Here are some of the top recruitment industries:

The salary for someone with an MBA in Environmental Science can vary widely based on several factors including the specific job role, industry, level of experience, geographic location, and the reputation of the institution where the degree was earned.

Here's a general overview of potential salary ranges across different levels:

• Entry-Level: INR 3 - 7 LPA
• Mid-Level: INR 7 - 15 LPA
• Senior-Level: INR 15 - 50 LPA

Environmental Science is considered multidisciplinary because it draws knowledge and methodologies from various scientific disciplines to study the environment comprehensively, provide more effective solutions to address the complex challenges facing our planet.

If you are fascinated by microorganisms and their applications, Microbiology may be a better fit. If you are interested in addressing broader environmental challenges and understanding ecosystems, Environmental Science might be the field for you.

Candidates can check the table below to see the comparison between the two courses.

Environmental Sciences provides numerous career opportunities. Graduates can contribute to various work settings such as the private and government sectors, agriculture, and food industry. Big MNCs such as the UN and WHO also recruit Environmentalists for multiple projects. Many companies formulate their policies with the help of Environmentalists.

Students can also contribute to global issues such as pollution, ozone depletion, and global warming. They have many opportunities in both private and government sectors in India and abroad. Developed nations also place a high priority on environmental sustainability, providing employment opportunities in fields including conservation, renewable energy, climate change mitigation, and environmental consulting.

There are wide opportunities available for graduates of BSc Environmental Science in various fields. Some of those fields are research and development, environmental journalism and environmental modeling. You can apply for the jobs in government organisations like pollution control board, urban planning and water authority. Several private organisations recruit graduates of B.Sc environmental science. Some of those organisations are refineries, fertilizer plants, waste treatment industries, distilleries and food processing industries.

• Understanding Environmental Issues: The Environmental Science course provides a comprehensive understanding of the environment, including the challenges it faces. 

• Career Opportunities: There is a growing demand for professionals with expertise in the Environmental Science course and sustainability.

• Research Opportunities: The Environmental Science course often includes research components, allowing students to engage in meaningful research projects that contribute to scientific knowledge and address real-world environmental problems.

Environmental Science degree holders have a wide range of opportunities in the corporate and public sectors. As part of MSc Environmental Science, candidates can apply for research positions at government agencies. Candidates with an MSc Environmental Science can find several lucrative career prospects both in India and overseas.

Candidates can also check the pros of pursuing an MSc Environmental Science:

• To learn more about living a sustainable lifestyle.
• Understand how creatures behave in their natural environment.
• To educate and raise awareness about environmental problems and issues.
• To make better use of natural resources while minimising environmental impact.
• It teaches people about the value of the environment and how to protect it.