There is growing consciousness at international, national, state and even local level to protect our environment without compromising with developmental progress. International agencies, national governments, industries, MNCs etc are trying to adopt eco friendly practices into their works. Research institutes are also trying to develop new environmental friendly methods and technologies. Thus there are wide areas of scope for environmental scientists.
Course Details
Undergraduate and Post-graduate courses in environmental science are offered by several institutes across the country. Career in Environmental Science starts with a B.Sc/B.E degree in this subject. The minimum qualification for B.Sc (Environmental Science) is 10+2 pass with Science subjects. The duration of this course is three years. For M.Sc in Environmental Science which is of two year duration, B.Sc Environmental Science or in any science subject is must.
The two year M.Tech in Environmental Science course is also offered by some technical institutes for which B.E/B.Tech students are eligible. There are also short term PG Diploma courses in Environment Management and Environmental Science. At the higher level there are doctoral and post-doctoral courses like M.Phil and PhD courses in Environmental Science.
Career Prospects
Environmental science graduates have multiple career options. They can work with different government departments and agencies like Forest and Environment, Pollution Control Boards, Urban planning, Industries, Water resources and Agriculture etc. Now NGOs working for environmental protection are a good option for environmental scientist. Private industries and firms also absorb a large chunk of environmental scientists to suggest proper methods and process.
Waste treatment industries, refineries, distilleries, mines, fertilizer plants, food processing industries and textile mills employ environmental scientists. Environmental scientists also can be involved in research activities in public and private sector institutions. Environmental scientists also can seek employment in media as environment journalists. Teaching in collages, universities is also a good option available for environmental scientists.
Top Colleges Offering UG/PG/Other Courses
Many universities and technical institutions offer B.Sc/ M.Sc/ B.E/ B.Tech/ M.Tech courses in Environmental Science. Some names are given below. University of Delhi, Delhi; Delhi College of Engineering, Delhi; Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi; IIT, Delhi, Kanpur, Kharagpur and Madras; Jamia Milia Islamia, New Delhi; University of Mumbai; University of Chennai, Chennai; Indian Institute of Environment Management (SIES), Mumbai; University of Mysore, Mysore; University of Pune, Pune; Visveswariah Technological University, AIT, Chikmagalur; Bharathiar University, Coimbatore; Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya , Indore (MP); UP Technical University (Instt of Engg & Tech) Lucknow; Center for Environment Education, Nehru Foundation for Development, Ahmedabad; Andhra University, Waltair; Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh; Guru jambheshwar University, Hisar and Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi.
Remuneration
Environmental scientists recruited in government agencies particularly Central and State pollution control boards get Rs. 12,000 to Rs 18,000 per month. Environmental Engineers with a B.E degree receives a salary anywhere between Rs.15, 000 - Rs.30, 000. Candidates with a postgraduate degree may start with a decent salary range of Rs. 35000 - Rs. 50000 and with a PhD it becomes Rs. 50000 - Rs. 75000. A licensed engineer can expect a salary of Rs. 1 lakh per month. International firms related to environmental projects offering lucrative pay packages.
