What is MSc Environmental Science

The MSc in Environmental Science in India offers a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues, equipping students with practical skills for tackling contemporary challenges. Through hands-on fieldwork and cutting-edge research, students actively engage in environmental conservation efforts. The curriculum integrates latest advancements in environmental technologies and policies, ensuring graduates are adept at addressing emerging ecological concerns. With a focus on interdisciplinary approaches, students explore diverse topics such as pollution control, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. The program emphasizes the application of scientific principles to real-world scenarios, fostering innovative solutions to global environmental issues. Through collaboration with... Read More

MSc Environmental Science Admission Criteria

The admission requirements for Master of Science in Environmental Science programs vary among institutions, but most universities follow a similar process for reviewing applications. The following are some of the general requirements that most institutes have:

Requirements Details
Educational Qualification Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
Minimum Marks Most universities require candidates to have a minimum aggregate of 50% or higher in their undergraduate degree. SC/ST/OBC candidates may be eligible with a minimum aggregate of 45%.
Entrance Exams Some universities or colleges may conduct an entrance exam for admission into the MSc Environmental Science program. Common entrance exams include university-level and state-level entrance exams.
Merit-Based Some universities or colleges offer admission based on merit, where candidates are selected based on their scores or grades obtained in a degree programme.
Required Documents The following documents are required for admission: Bachelor’s degree certificate, transcripts of undergraduate grades, entrance exam scores (if applicable), passport photo, and letter of intent.
Application Process The application process varies by university but generally involves submitting an application form, required documents, and possibly attending an interview or passing an entrance exam.

MSc Environmental Science Entrance Exams

Students can get admission to an MSc in Environmental Science in India through either entrance exams or their board exam performance. Entrance exams are typically conducted by universities or colleges and assess students' knowledge in biological sciences, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, biotechnology, and its applications. Below is a list of popular entrance exams for MSc Environmental Science:

National Level Entrance Exams

NET ( National Eligibility Test)

State Level Entrance Exams

MEST (Maharashtra Environmental Science Test), KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test), MP PAT (Madhya Pradesh Pre-Agriculture Test), WBJEE (West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination), Kerala SET (Kerala State Eligibility Test), UPSEE (Uttar Pradesh State Entrance Examination), TANCET (Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test).

University Level Entrance Exams

Bharathidasan University Postgraduate Entrance Examination, AMU Entrance Exam (Aligarh Muslim University Entrance Exam), University of Calcutta Entrance Exam, Pondicherry University Entrance Exam, DUET (Delhi University Entrance Test), BHU PET (Banaras Hindu University Postgraduate Entrance Test), JNUEE (Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Exam).

MSc Environmental Science Fee Structure

The course fee of a Master of Science in Environmental Science in India varies widely, with an average annual course fee of Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 3,00,000 per year. However, the actual course fee may be higher or lower depending on factors such as the type of institution, its reputation, its location, and the facilities it offers.

Courses after MSc Environmental Science

Upon successful completion of a Master of Science in Environmental Science, students may opt to pursue various popular courses such as MPhil, Master of Business Administration, or Doctor of Philosophy programmes to expand their studies. Finds some of the popular courses below:
MPhil

MPhil in Environmental Chemistry, MPhil in Environmental Engineering, MPhil in Environmental Microbiology, MPhil in Environmental Economics, MPhil in Environmental Geology, MPhil in Environmental Biotechnology, MPhil in Environmental Health.

PhD

PhD in Environmental Science, PhD in Environmental Studies, PhD in Environmental Management, PhD in Ecology and Environmental Science, PhD in Environmental Policy, PhD in Conservation Biology, PhD in Climate Change Science, PhD in Environmental Chemistry, PhD in Environmental Engineering, PhD in Environmental Microbiology.

MBA

MBA in Environmental Management, MBA in Energy and Environment, MBA in Environmental Policy and Planning, MBA in Natural Resource Management, and MBA in Climate Change and Sustainability.

Career Opportunities after MSc Environmental Science

A Master of Science in Environmental Science offers many public and private sector job possibilities. The salary ranges provided are approximate and can vary based on factors such as experience and qualifications. Some common private and public sector jobs for people who finish this programme are:

Public Sector Opportunities:

  1. Government Environmental Officer: Responsible for working in government departments and agencies, implementing environmental policies and regulations, conducting inspections, and monitoring environmental compliance. The salary for a government environmental officer can range from INR 4 to INR 8 lakhs per year.
  2. Pollution Control Board Officer: Responsible for monitoring industrial activities, understand environmental issues, and enforce pollution control regulations. The salary for a Pollution Control Board Officer can range from INR 4 to INR 8 lakhs per year.
  3. Government Environmental Researcher: Responsible for conducting scientific studies, analysing data, and providing recommendations for environmental policy development and decision-making. The salary for Government Environmental researchers can range from INR 4 to INR 8 lakhs per year.
  4. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Consultant: Responsible for developing projects environmental effects, provide environmental impacts, evaluate reports, and recommend sustainable project implementation. The salary for an environmental impact assessment (EIA) Consultant can range from INR 4 to INR 8 lakhs a year.
  5. Forest Officer: Responsible for managing and conserving forest resources, implement afforestation programmes, monitor wildlife populations, and enforce forest conservation policies. The salary for a forest officer can range from INR 4 to 8 lakhs a year.
  6. Climate Change Analyst: Responsible for analysing the impacts of climate change, assess vulnerability and adaptation plans, and contribute to climate change mitigation and programme development. The salary for a climate change analyst can range from INR 4 to 8 lakhs a year.
  7. Environmental Education Officer: Responsible for developing and delivering environmental education programmes, organise awareness campaigns, and promote environmental conservation and sustainability. The salary for an environmental education officer can range from INR 3 to 6 lakhs a year.
  8. Wetland Conservation Officer: Responsible for working on marshland conservation systems, conducting surveys, monitoring marshland ecosystems, and applying conservation strategies to safeguard marshland biodiversity. The salary for a wetland conservation officer can range from INR 4 to 8 lakhs a year.
  9. Environmental Planner: Responsible for assessing the environmental impact of urban and regional areas, ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and integrate sustainability principles into planning processes. The salary for an environmental planner can range from INR 4 to 8 lakhs a year.
  10. Natural Resource Manager: Responsible for managing and conserving natural resources such as water, forests, and wildlife and develops resource management plans. The salary for a natural resource manager can range from INR 4 to 8 lakhs a year.

Private Sector Opportunities:

  1. Environmental Consultant: Responsible for providing expert advice to organisations on environmental issues, conduct assessments, and develop strategies for sustainable practices. The salary for an environmental consultant can range from INR 3 to 6 lakhs a year.
  2. Sustainability Analyst: Responsible for assessing and analysing environmental data, track sustainability indicators, and provide recommendations for improving resource management and environmental performance. The salary for a sustainability analyst can range from INR 3 to 6 lakhs a year.
  3. Environmental Project Manager: Responsible for coordinating environmental projects, including planning, budgeting, monitoring, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The salary for an environmental project manager can range from INR 4 to 8 lakhs a year.
  4. Environmental Scientist: Responsible for conducting research, collect samples, and analyse data to understand environmental impacts, assess pollution situations, and develop mitigation strategies. The salary for an environmental scientist can range from INR 3 to 6 lakhs a year.
  5. EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) Manager: Responsible for giving assurance and compliance with environmental regulations, develop safety protocols and implement environmental management systems within organisations. The salary for an EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) Manager can range from INR 5 to 10 lakhs a year.
  6. Waste Management Specialist: Responsible for designing waste management operation plans, assess waste disposal methods and develop strategies for waste reduction and recycling. The salary for a waste management specialist can range from INR 3 to 6 lakhs a year.
  7. Environmental Analyst: Responsible for evaluating environmental data, perform statistical analyses, and interpret results to identify trends and patterns related to environmental factors. The salary for an environmental analyst can range from INR 3 to 6 lakhs a year.
  8. Environmental Compliance Officer: Responsible for following the environmental laws and regulations, conducting audits, and develop compliance strategies. The salary for an environmental compliance officer can range from INR 3 to 6 lakhs a year.
  9. Renewable Energy Analyst: Responsible for finding the availability of renewable energy projects, understand energy product data, and estimate the environmental impact of renewable energy sources. The salary for a renewable energy analyst can range from INR 3 to 6 lakhs a year.
  10. Carbon Credit Analyst: Responsible for calculating and assessing carbon emissions, developing emission reduction strategies, and assisting organisations in obtaining and trading carbon credits. The salary for a carbon credit analyst can range from INR 4 to 8 lakhs a year.

MSc Environmental Science Scope, Salary & Employers

After completing an MSc in Environmental Science, graduates can pursue various career paths in environmental consulting, resource management, or policy development. They may engage in tasks such as conducting research, analysing data, and implementing strategies to address environmental challenges, contributing to sustainability efforts, and promoting eco-friendly practices across different sectors.

The average salary for a fresher with a Master of Science in Environmental Science can vary depending on the employer, location, and specific role. However, the average salary for this degree is between Rs. 3,00,000 to 10,00,000 per annum.

Postgraduate students in Environmental Science can secure placements in various esteemed companies such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), State Agricultural Departments, Agricultural Universities, Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), National Agricultural Research Institutes, ICAR Institutes, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).

Required Skills for MSc Environmental Science

Environmental Science students need to have a solid knowledge base in their subjects, as well as the soft skills necessary to succeed in a professional environment. Here are some of the essential soft skills required for an MSc Environmental Science student:

  • Technical Skills Research.
  • Analytical Skills Problem-solving.
  • Adaptability Ethical.
  • Professional Conduct.
  • Communication Skills.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

It depends on the university or institution. Some may require a science background, while others may consider students from related disciplines.
Internships may or may not be mandatory, but they are highly recommended as they provide practical exposure and enhance skills.
Skills acquired may include data analysis, research methodologies, environmental impact assessment, policy analysis, and project management.
Some programmes may have fieldwork or field visits as part of specific courses or research projects.
Some universities offer part-time or distance learning options for MSc programmes. However, it may vary among institutions.
MSc programmes often include research components, allowing students to conduct research projects in various environmental science domains.
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