MSc Environmental Science

MSc Environmental Science is a two-year full-time postgraduate programme that focuses on the environment and its various components. Biology, geography, the atmosphere, ecology, physical science, and biological sciences are all covered in the MSc Environmental Science programme. The MSc Environmental Science course syllabus is divided into four semesters and can include specializations in areas such as: Chemistry, Engineering, Biology conservation, Ecology. The MSc Environmental Science programme is interdisciplinary, and it seeks to meet the demand for professionals who can apply management practices to create solutions for a sustainable future.  Some MSc Environmental Science subjects taught in the course include Natural resources, Environmental biology, Environmental microbiology, Biodiversity. 

To be eligible for MSc Environmental Science admission 2024, candidates must have completed 10+2 and graduated in Science/ Engineering/ Mathematics/ Economics/ Statistics/Geography, or Geology with a minimum aggregate score of 60%. While some universities, like DU, may administer entrance exams, the majority of MSc Environmental Science colleges accept students based only on merit.

Also Read: DU PG Admissions 2024 

MSc Environmental Science admission is determined by the results of a state or national entrance exam. Some universities also provide institutional-level MSc Environmental Science entrance exams, such as CUET PG and ICAR AIEEA 2024. The average course fee for an MSc in Environmental Science at government/public colleges is INR 25k, whereas private colleges charge 3 L. MSc Environmental Science graduates can pursue careers as environmental consultants, analysts, scientists, educators, and policy analysts. The average after-MSc Environmental Science salary ranges from INR 2.5 to 7 LPA.

Also Read: Best MSc Courses after BSc 

The main highlights of the MSc Environmental Science course are as follows:

Some of the reasons of choosing an MSc in Environmental Science are:

• Overcoming Global Challenges: Depleting resources, pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss are all significant global challenges.
   
• Interdisciplinary Education: This field provides a comprehensive understanding of environmental complexities by integrating knowledge from multiple disciplines, such as Biology, Chemistry, Ecology, Geology, and Social Sciences.
   
• Many Career Options: Graduates can work on environmental policy, conservation, sustainability, and other topics in government agencies, non-governmental organisations, consulting firms, research institutions, and private businesses.
   
• Future Growth and Demand: As environmental science expertise becomes more in-demand, so does the focus on sustainability and environmental protection.

The entrance exam is required for admission to the top government and private MSc Environmental Science programmes in India. Given that colleges release the final student list based on exam results, exams are the main requirement for the applicants. Common entrance exams for MSc Environmental Science include:

• CUET PG
• TISSNET
• BITSAT

The application procedure may differ slightly from other courses since MSc Environmental Science programmes in India require a specific set of abilities and knowledge. A group discussion or interview follows the entrance exam, which is still the primary method used by most MSc Environmental Science colleges to select applicants. The admissions processes for MSc Environmental Science programmes in India are as follows.

• Entrance-Based MSc Environmental Science Admissions
• Merit-Based MSc Environmental Science Admissions

To be eligible for MSc Environmental Science Admission 2024, candidates must meet the following criteria:

MSc Environmental Science Eligibility Criteria

MSc Environmental Science eligibility criteria is as follows:

• Candidates must have completed 10th and 10+2 from an affiliated board.
• Candidates must have secured a minimum aggregate score of 60% or higher at 10+2.
• Candidates must have completed their graduation in Science, Economics, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Geography, or Geology with a minimum aggregate score of 60%.
• MSc Environmental Science admission requires candidates to have passed a state or national entrance exam.
• Candidates who have completed BSc (Hons)/BSc (10+2+3) with a score of 50% or higher are eligible.

Steps to Apply for MSc Environmental Science Admission Process 2024

The general steps to admission for an MSc in Environmental Science vary depending on the college, but they are as follows:

Step 1: Complete the MSc Environmental Science online application.

Step 2: Pay the registration fee and any additional costs that might be incurred in the event that admission is decided by merit. Exams must be taken and passed in order to be considered for entrance-based MSc Environmental Science admissions.

Step 3: Those who made the short list will be invited to move on to the next round of interviews, group discussions, or counselling, depending on the nature of the process.

Step 4: Candidates must submit all necessary paperwork and fees in order to be accepted into the MSc Environmental Science programme, having finished the previous steps.

Skills Required for MSc Environmental Science

An MSc Environmental Sciences gives you a broader perspective and helps you understand and solve problems at the local, national, and even international levels. As a result, candidates must learn some of their inherent skills, which are listed below:

• Analytical and creative thinking skills.
• Scientific and ethical perspective on important environmental issues.
• Research skills and ability to break down complex problems to simpler solutions.
• Skills relevant to laboratory and research work
• Excellent written and verbal communication as well as presentation skills.
• Elasticity to adapt and work in diverse fields and roles.
• Strategizing and apt time management skills.
• Ability to work and lead as a team.

Some of the important technical skills required to pursue an MSc Environmental Science are listed below. 

• Knowledge about Policies and Legislations
• Public Awareness about Current Environmental Problems
• Knowledge about Various Industry Domains
• Information about Health and Safety Standards
• Research and Development Skill Set

At most colleges and universities, admissions to MSc Environmental Science programmes are based on merit. A written 10+2 exam, a series of in-person interviews, and/or a qualifying exam relevant to the programme will determine which candidates are accepted into the MSc Environmental Science programme. In these conditions, candidates are usually selected on the basis of their grades and their scores on previous relevant exams.

MSc Environmental Science course fees range between INR 25K - 3L for government and private colleges respectively. The course fee for MSc Environmental Science in distance mode ranges between INR 20k - 60k per year. However, the fees of courses varies based on the MSc Environmental Science universities. Due to its infrastructure and amenities, a government-based institute charges less than a private institute. 

The MSc in Environmental Science syllabus includes core courses in environmental principles and all topics related to environment studies, including chemistry, biology, technology, ecology, geoenvironment, physics, and more. Additionally, practical classes are offered in addition to the theoretical Master of Science in Environmental Science course syllabus.

The syllabus for the MSc Environmental Science course is listed down semester by semester below.

There are few courses that are similar to MSc Environmental Science such as MSc Botany, MSc Zoology, etc. The students must know the basic difference between these courses so that they do not get confuse while selecting the right course for themselves. The students must look at the course comparison of different courses on the basis of certain parameters as discussed below. Though there are no major significant differences, certain points are worth noting down. 

Some of the topmost colleges in India, for students to pursue MSc Environmental Science are listed below:

Note: The fees mentioned above are subject to change.

Also Read: Top Colleges in Delhi University Based on NIRF Ranking 2024

The following table provides a list of top private universities where candidates can study MSc Environmental Science:

Note: The fees mentioned above are subject to change.

The following table lists top government-funded institutions where candidates can study MSc Environmental Science:

Note: The fees mentioned above are subject to change.

Students can take admission to MSc Environmental science course either through regular mode or through distance education. It is important for the students to clear the cut off marks in order to take admission in MSc Environmental Science. There are only handful of institutions that offer MSc Environmental Science course through distance education mode. 

Distance education in Environmental Science is done by either working professional or those who are not financially very strong but still wants to pursue MSc Environmental Science. The MSc Environmental science fee structure varies from institute to institute and ranges from 10,000 per annum to 1 lakh per annum. Some of the institutes that offer MSc Environmental Science course are mentioned below. The fee structure is also mentioned against the name of the college that offers MSc Environmental Science. 

The various job profiles that become available to students upon completion of their MSc Environmental Science degree are the main factor contributing to the program's rise in popularity among students.

Candidates may look over a list of important job details, including salary structures, listed below. 

MSc Environmental Science Employment Area

After completing the course, the students find employment in a variety of fields, including senior programme officer, wildlife filmmaker, environmental photographer, and environmental technician. The following lists a few of the most sought-after job categories. 

• Colleges and Universities
• National Zoological Parks
• Wildlife Journalism
• Forest Department
• Wildlife Photography
• Animal Research Centres

MSc Environmental Science Top Recruiters

MSc Environmental Science is a popular and demanding course because of the job and career opportunities that are available to the students. Many companies or recruiters look for graduates who have specialized in Environmental Science. Students get placed in a variety of organizations in diverse roles such as health managers, trainers, teachers, conservationists, etc. The students must check the list of top recruiters that offer different positions after completing MSc in Environmental Science as mentioned below. 

• Fluor Corporation Pvt Ltd.
• Jacobs Engineering Group Inc
• John Deere Pvt Ltd
• Parsons International Ltd
• Ramboll IMIsoft Pvt Ltd
• ABB India Ltd
• Emerson Electric Co. India Private Ltd
• Ashok Leyland
• Ernst & Young
• Wipro
• Tata
• HDFC Bank
• HCL Technologies
• Federal Bank
• South Indian Banks
• Pollution Control Board
• Water Authorities and Urban Planning

MSc Environmental Science Salary

Upon completion of their MSc in Environmental Sciences, postgraduate candidates' salaries will differ based on their company, job profile, and other factors. To provide some context, it is reasonable to assume that candidates should expect a starting salary of between INR 2.5 and 7 LPA after completing an MSc in Environmental Science. The candidate's years of work experience will be taken into consideration when determining their pay.

MSc Environmental Science Scope

Environmental science has a broad scope and numerous career opportunities. Graduates with an MSc in Environmental Science may be employed as an environmental scientist, environmental consultant, environmental engineer, environmental policy analyst, environmental educator, environmental journalist, wildlife biologist, conservationist, or sustainability manager. The average salary for an MSc Environmental Science graduate ranges between INR 2.5 and INR 7 LPA. In India, the salary range for MSc Environmental Science graduates is around INR 3.5 - 5 LPA. Further, after completing an MSc Environmental Science degree, a candidate may seek employment or pursue further education/degrees such as a PhD Environmental Science at some prestigious institutions. Successful professionals can work for both government and private organisations, or they can teach in private schools and colleges. They can also collaborate with the State Departments and the Environmental Protection Agency on research projects.

Candidates may pursue employment or further education, including a PhD in Environmental Science at some esteemed universities, after gaining an MSc in Environmental Science with distinction. Successful professionals can work for the public or private sectors, or they can pursue private teaching positions in universities or schools. For their research projects, they can collaborate with the Environmental Protection Agency and State Departments.

Also Read: PhD admission 2024

Candidates may choose to pursue an online MSc in Environmental Science through distance education if they are unable to attend classes in regular mode. An in-depth comprehension of the environment and its chemical, physical, and biological processes is provided in an online MSc in Environmental Science course. It widened the scope to look into the theories and methods related to soil, water, and air pollution as well as monitoring systems. The online MSc in Environmental Science course duration is 2-3 years.