Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the study of interactions between human beings and the environment.
The Environmental Science courses cover subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, geography, social sciences, and humanities to address issues related to climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, natural resource management, and sustainability.
If you’re somebody who loves nature and wants to make a difference in protecting our planet and its natural habitat, Environmental Science can offer a wide range of career options for you.
Candidates can pursue a variety of courses including undergrduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), certificates or diploma programs.
As an Environmental Science professional, your role is to study, protect, and manage the environment while finding sustainable solutions to human impacts.
After completing the course, candidates will have opportunities to work in both the government and private sectors.
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In this article, we have provided complete details regarding Career In Environmental Science, top courses, eligibility criteria, and job opportunities.
Environmental Science Courses 2025
Where shall I start, what course to opt for after 12th?
Many students do face similar challenges, here is the complete breakdown of the top UG, PG and diploma courses in Environmental Science.
Undergraduate Courses
- B.Sc. in Environmental Science
- B.Sc. in Environmental Management
- B.Sc. in Environmental Studies
- B.Sc. in Ecology & Environmental Sciences
- B.Sc. (Hons.) in Environmental Science
- B.Tech. in Environmental Engineering
- Integrated B.Sc.–M.Sc. in Environmental Science
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Postgraduate Courses
- M.Sc in Environmental Science
- M.Sc. in Environmental Management
- M.Sc. in Environmental Studies
- M.Sc. in Climate Science & Policy
- M.Sc. in Ecology & Biodiversity
- M.Tech. in Environmental Engineering / Technology
- MBA in Environmental Management / Sustainability
- Integrated M.Sc.–Ph.D. in Environmental Science
Diploma and Certificate Programs
- Diploma in Environmental Science
- Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Studies
- Certificate in Environmental Law & Policy
- Certificate in Environmental Management & Sustainability
- Online Certifications (Coursera, edX, NPTEL, SWAYAM) in topics like Climate Change, Pollution Control,
- Environmental Impact Assessment, Waste Management, etc.
Also Check – Top Diploma Courses after 12th
Doctoral & Research Programs
- Ph.D. in Environmental Science
- Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering / Technology
- Ph.D. in Climate Change & Sustainability
- Ph.D. in Ecology & Conservation
Eligibility Criteria
How to get admission in these courses?
For Undergraduate courses, students must have passed the 10+2 examination with Science subjects (Biology, Mathematics and Chemistry).
For admission in postgraduate courses, candidates should have a bachelors degree in the science subjects or related fields.
For doctoral programmes, candidates must hold a master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
Admission Process
For admission into the environmental science programs, candidates need to qualify entrance exams conducted at national, state and university level.
These exams include CUET, UGC NET, CSIR NET, ICAR AIEEA, or institute-specific entrance tests depending on the course and level of study.
For admission, candidates have to go through the following steps:
Application Form Submission – Fill the application form avialable at the official university/college portal.
Merit List/Rank List – Universities release cut-off marks or merit lists based on entrance exam scores or 12th/UG marks.
Counselling/Interview – Shortlisted candidates may have to attend counselling sessions or interviews (varies by institution).
Seat Allotment – Seats are allocated based on rank, preference, and availability.
Document Verification – Candidates must provide academic certificates, ID proof, entrance exam scorecard, etc.
Fee Payment & Admission Confirmation – Final step to secure admission into the program.
Top Universities & Colleges
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
- Delhi University (DU), New Delhi
- University of Calcutta, Kolkata
- Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh
- Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), New Delhi
- University of Mysore, Karnataka
- University of Madras, Chennai
- Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu
- Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
- TERI School of Advanced Studies (TERI SAS), New Delhi
- Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Kochi
- Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi
- G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Uttarakhand
- University of Mumbai, Mumbai
- Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune
- Osmania University, Hyderabad
- Lovely Professional University (LPU), Punjab
- Amity University, Noida
- Sharda University, Greater Noida
- Christ University, Bengaluru
- SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai
Career Opportunities
Environmental Science is a field of study that focuses on finding practical ways to protect the environment through the sustainable use of resources.
As discipline opens up a wide range of career opportunities for environmental scientists, biologists, engineers, modellers, and even environmental journalists.
After completing the professional education in this field, graduates are employed in sectors such as environment consultancies, FMCG, mining, fertilizer plants, textiles, dyeing industries, and food processing units.
Candidates can explore diverse career options in both government and private organizations. Teaching opportunities are also available in colleges and universities.
In this sector, professionals can work with organizations like the Pollution Control Board, Water Authorities, and Urban Planning departments. Many private industries, including refineries, distilleries, fertilizer plants, and food processing companies, also recruit environmental science graduates.
Job roles include positions like managers in fertilizer or food processing companies, environmental journalists in newspapers, magazines, or television, and research professionals in various industries.
With the rise of NGOs focusing on environmental issues, graduates also have the option to work with non-profit organizations dedicated to sustainability and conservation.
Some of the top job profiles for the professional include:
- Environmental Consultant
- Environmental Scientist
- Ecologists
- Sustainability Manager
- Water Resource Manager
- Environmental Engineer
- Environmental Policy Analyst
Top Recruiters
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC)
- Forest Departments
- State Pollution Control Boards
- Municipal Corporations
- Reliance Industries
- ITC
- Mahindra Sustainability
- Wildlife Trust of India
- Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
- Botanical Survey of India(BSI)
- Siemens India- Water Technologies
- Adani Green Energy Limited
- Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
- Water Supply & Irrigation Departments
- Urban Planning & Development Authorities
Salary & Payscale
The salary of environmental Science graduates varies based on their educational qualifications, company, job profile, experience and location.
The average annual salary for freshers could range between ₹2.5-5 LPA. Candidates working as environment consultants, researchers, ecologists are paid competitive salaries often in the range of ₹6-9 LPA.
The salary of professionals working in PSUs/ Government departments are in the range ₹5-12 LPA. Apart from the salaries the government employees also receive various additional allowances and benefits.
Candidates working in the USA, Europe, Canada, and Australia can earn significantly higher salaries as Environmental Science professionals, with average annual packages ranging from USD $50,000–$90,000 depending on role, expertise, and experience.
FAQ’s
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