Save Environment on this Earth Day: Best Environmental Science Courses You Can Pursue

Now that the class 12 Boards and CUET entrance exam 2024 are over, you must wonder what courses you can apply to help achieve your dreams. Some of you would also be ready to bring a much-needed change in society, isn’t it? There are many burning issues in the world, but the deteriorating environment of this earth is the most concerning. In April 2024, the entire planet celebrated World Earth Day on 22 April and this month we will be celebrating World Environment Day on 5th June 2024. World Environment Day isn’t just a celebration – it’s a call to action! It helps unite people worldwide to raise awareness about pressing environmental issues and inspire action to protect our planet. The inception of environment day was in 1973 with the theme “Only One Earth” and since it has only reached new heights of world participation. In 2024 World Environment Day’s theme is land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience.

Students who are still contemplating their options, why not explore many Environmental Science courses available in India and become Green Crusaders?

Yes, we all talk about how bad things have gotten. How the glaciers are melting, and how drastically the temperature is changing across the globe. But not many take the mantle of doing something about it. However, the students and the young minds can be the change. There are many Environmental Science courses after 12th that a student who wants to contribute towards a greener and better world can explore.

Introduction to Environmental Science

Environmental Science is not one subject but is a combination of many areas under subjects like Geography, Biology, Geology, Physics, Chemistry, Ecology, Zoology, Mineralogy, Oceanography and Soil Science. In India, the Environmental Science course was introduced in 1991 after the Supreme Court of India mandated it for all schools. It was done after MC Mehta, one of the leading environmental lawyers in India, filed a PIL. After that, many specialised courses in Environmental Science were introduced in many colleges/institutes/universities that offer environmental science degrees.

Environmental studies courses aim to research and find a solution to many environmental issues like pollution, depletion of the ozone layer, exploitation of natural resources and energy systems, increasing temperature, melting glaciers and more. The scope of environmental science is always evolving with the changing environment and awareness towards protecting the environment is the need of the hour. The best thing about this course is that it is not a study of one particular discipline but covers an aspect of many other fields. A student of Physics, Chemistry, Geography, Zoology, or any other field can later pursue Environmental Science courses and become an expert.

What is the scope of Environmental Studies?

Earth is the only known planet to be a habitat for humans. The planet has the perfect condition for us to survive. We have been living on this planet for billions of years. Humans have evolved like no other species. Our ability to comprehend, research, plan, invent and execute has led us to the present day, where we are almost living in a digital world. Along the way, we forget that we might be causing harm to the only home where we can exist. With a major threat to this planet, nations are coming together to preserve and protect Mother Earth. To raise awareness, world earth day is celebrated on 22 April every year. Why don’t you also pledge to save your planet and do it professionally?

Yes, Environmental Studies Courses in India will give you that chance. The scope of the Environmental Science course is never-ending. You will not only be able to wear the proud badge of an environmentalist, but it will also help you grow professionally. With a specialisation in Environmental Science, you can explore various professional fields, like;

• Ecologist
• Environmental Engineer
• Town Planner
• Horticulturist
• Water Engineer
• Environmental Consultant
• Marine Biologist
• Microbiologist
• Environmental Researcher
• Wildlife Biologist
• Zoologist
• Environment Journalist
• Naturalist
• Conservationist

Courses in Environmental Science in India

It was in the 1970s that the environmental revolution began across the globe. Soon, the world understood the issue and the need to work towards it. Today, many environmental experts are contributing towards saving the environment in a big way. Their professional expertise has helped in modifying the ways of the world that were impacting the environment as a whole. You can explore various environmental studies for undergraduate courses, post-graduate courses and doctoral-level courses. Here is the list of environmental courses that you can pursue and be the Green Superhero:

Eligibility Criteria to Apply for Environmental Science Courses in India

There is no particular subject that students need to apply for a course in Environmental Science. You can go for an Environmental Science course with Geography as well. Please look at the eligibility criteria for various degrees that you can pursue with Environmental Science at your undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral level.

1. Eligibility Criteria for Doctoral Environmental Science Course

• A candidate must have a Master’s degree in Environmental Science/Environmental Studies from a recognised institute in India.
• Candidates with GATE, UGC NET, CSIR, M Tech, M Phil or equivalent degrees are not required to give any entrance test.

2. Eligibility Criteria for Postgraduate Environmental Science Course 

• A student with a BSc or Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science/Environmental Studies or any other related field like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Ecology, Geology, Zoology, Botany etc., is eligible for a Postgraduate degree in Environmental Science.
• In case of admission to M. Tech courses, students might have to appear for the GATE entrance test.

3. Eligibility Criteria for Undergraduate Courses in Environmental Science

• Students need to clear their class 12 board examination with Physics, Chemistry and Biology to apply for a course in Environmental Science.

List of Top Colleges Offering Environmental Science Courses in India

When you celebrate Earth Day this year, don’t just do it for your social media post. If you feel strongly about environmental issues, then it is time to take that pledge. Plan your career and life in a way that can also benefit future generations. If you believe that contributing towards the greater good is your calling, then check out this list of top colleges offering Environmental Science Degrees:

• IIT Patna
• University of North Bengal
• Shoolini University
• IIM Lucknow
• Maharshi Dayanand University
• Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai
• IIT Indore
• Thiruvalar University
• IIT Gandhi Nagar
• Sri Siva Subramania Nadar College of Engineering
• IIT Delhi
• Delhi University

The Future is Green & Sustainable 

Environmental Studies courses not only help a student carve a better life but also contribute towards saving the environment in a big way. It was in the 90s that people started becoming aware of environmental issues. Across the globe, people celebrate International Earth Day. But saving the environment needs a much more serious approach. If we want to see our future generations in a better position, then we need to start working today. With drastic weather changes, increased natural calamities, pandemics, and many health hazards, we are already running against the clock. Students and young minds must advance to lead humanity towards a sustainable future. The Environmental Science courses provide a big opportunity to be the Green Leader. The career scope is huge and rewarding as well. So, what are you waiting for? Just choose the right course and lead your generation to a brighter future.

FAQs on Environmental Science courses