Overview

Environmental Studies and Earth Sciences is a multifaceted, interdisciplinary study focused on studying the physical properties and characteristics of the earth and the atmosphere and human-environment interactions. This discipline provides a broad understanding of current environmental issues and challenges on a local, national and global scale. The primary purpose of the field is to solve real-world problems such as pollution, deforestation, waste generation and global warming.

Thus, environmental research and earth science seek practical solutions that will tackle the problems by stopping or limiting the negative impacts of human activity on the environment. As an environmentalist, one can influence the implementation of policies to limit the harmful emissions of large companies. The subject is about exploring natural processes while trying to understand how the world works and tracking its changes and their causes. The four main fields of Earth Sciences are Geology, Oceanography, Meteorology and Astronomy. Other sub-fields include Climate Studies, Toxicology, Biodiversity and Conservation. 

The course focuses on environmental processes and natural resources and combines knowledge, models and methods from geography, geology, biology, physics, chemistry and resource management. Students who opt for this particular study can make scientifically reliable predictions about the future through research and discoveries and an understanding of past and present environmental processes.

Environmental Studies and Earth Sciences is a great study option for those interested in working outdoors and solving complex environmental problems. Graduates can find jobs as conservation officers, ecological consultants, sustainability consultants, waste officers, and toxicologists.

Skill Sets:

Students are expected to develop a broad interdisciplinary framework to address the complex and interrelated environmental problems our world faces on various scales and at different levels. In addition, a degree in Environmental Science will help make students aware of the knowledge and skills they are developing to capitalise on these strengths in the real world. These skills include:

• Analytical skills – considering all possible methods, interactions and solutions in the analysis.
• Competence in developing arguments from scientific, ethical and philosophical perspectives.
• Critical thinking – the ability to draw logical conclusions from observations, experiments and other research.
• Interpersonal skills - working across disciplines as part of a team, in jobs including that of scientists, engineers and technicians, to seek sustainable solutions to environmental problems.
• Problem-solving skills - the ability to plan and manage projects.
• Lab and fieldwork skills.
• Ability to gather, analyse and communicate complex technical data to others 
• Flexibility to work in all kinds of environments developed through fieldwork experience. 
• Effective and professional communication, both spoken and written.

Study Levels:

Admission in environmental studies and earth sciences courses is available at the Undergraduate, Post-graduate and Doctoral levels, and these include:

• BSc in Environmental Science
• BSc in Environmental Science and Wildlife Management
• BSc in Environmental Science and Water Management
• BSc (Honours)
• Bachelor in Environment and Ecology
• Diploma/Certificate in Environment and Ecology
• MBA (Forestry & Environment Management)
• MPhil (Environment Biology)
• MPhil (Environmental Sciences)
• MPhil (Sugar Technology)
• MSc (Disaster Mitigation)
• MSc (Earth Science)
• MSc (Ecology & Environmental Science)
• MSc (Environmental and Climate Change Management)
• MSc (Environmental Biotechnology)
• MSc (Environmental Chemistry)
• MSc (Environmental Management)
• MSc (Environmental Science & Technology)
• MSc (Environmental Science)
• MSc (Global Warming Reduction)
• MSc (Green Technology)
• MSc (Habitat and Population Studies)
• MSc (Honours) (Environmental Science)
• MSc (Life Science)
• MSc (Pollution Control)
• MSc (Sugar Technology)
• MSc (Sustainable Development)
• MTech (Environmental Science and Technology)
• MTech (Applied Botany)
• MTech (Environmental Science)
• PG (Diploma/Certificate) in Environment and Ecology
• PhD (Earth Sciences)
• PhD (Environment Studies)
• PhD (Environment Biology)
• PhD (Environmental Science)
• PhD (Sugar Technology)

Specialisations:

Specialisations in environmental studies and earth sciences are long and diverse, and each field has its area of focus. Areas of expertise range from a focus on a detailed understanding of specific organisms and ecosystems to the study of environmental systems and global change. Some of the top and most preferred fields of specialisation in Environmental Science are: 

• Agricultural Development
• Climate Change
• Conservation
• Ecology
• Environmental Biology
• Environmental Studies
• Land Use
• Natural Resources and Conversation
• Natural Resources Economics
• Natural Resources Management and Policy
• Natural Sciences
• Water Resources Engineering
• Water Resources Policy and Management
• Air Pollution
• Cultural Ecology 
• Desalinisation of Water 
• Environmental Control, Other
• Environmental Engineering Tech
• Environmental Health
• Environmental Policy 
• Environmental Psychology
• Environmental Sociology
• Environmental Toxicology
• Irrigation
• National Parks
• Natural and Human Systems 
• Natural Resources, Miscellaneous
• Natural Resources/ Conservation
• Reclamation
• Remote Sensing
• Soil Conservation
• Water Pollution
• Wildlife and Wildland Management

Employability:

Employability in environmental studies and earth sciences is incredibly diverse. Graduates can work in sectors ranging from outdoor recreation to waste disposal and public policy development to agriculture. This is because both the private and government sectors have their list of reasons why graduates in environmental science are essential to their organisations, and since Environmental Science is a branch where students can find different ways to protect our environment with the reliable utility of resources.

The  graduates  in India may consider the following career options:

• Environmental Consultancy – working as an environmental consultant means advising various government and private organisations on environmental issues.
• Nature Conservation - careers in conservation are for those who want to focus on protecting and promoting the natural environment. These include overseeing the sustainable management of natural areas and planning and monitoring projects to increase biodiversity.
• Environmental Education – careers in this field include visiting schools to give talks, organising events, running workshops and courses and liaising with educational and community groups.
• Environmental Management –this career option is for those who want to develop and implement environmental strategies that would promote sustainable development. The role will likely involve conducting assessments, identifying problems and organising staff training to ensure everyone follows relevant policies and contributes to achieving environmental targets.
• Recycling – these include working on developing and implementing waste reduction policies. Such jobs can often be found within local authorities, private organisations dealing with environmental services or charities dedicated to reducing domestic and industrial waste.
• Waste Management – Working in the waste management sector typically means helping to organise and manage waste disposal and recycling facilities.
• Water Quality – a career in this sector includes working on solutions to improve water quality and dealing with various connected problems.

The types of employment available worldwide for students studying Environmental Sciences are

• Amenity Horticulturist
• Commercial Horticulturist
• Environmental Consultant
• Environmental Education Officer
• Environmental Engineer
• Environmental Manager
• Minerals Surveyor
• Nature Conservation Officer
• Recycling Officer
• Sustainability Consultant
• Waste Management Officer
• Water Quality Scientist
• Environmental Health Practitioner
• Horticultural Consultant
• Horticultural Therapist
• Landscape Architect
• Town Planner
• Toxicologist
• Transport Planner
• Water Engineer

Fees:

Fees in environmental studies courses and earth science courses may differ from institution to institution, depending on the region and course of study. The following is an estimate of the educational expenses.

• India – An annual Undergraduate Degree ranges from INR 8,000 – 3,00,000 annually. An annual Post Graduate INR 5000 – 2,00,000 and an annual Doctorate Degree INR 50,000- INR 2,20,000.
• Australia – Under Graduate AUD 15,000 - AUD 33,000. Post Graduate AUD 20,000 – AUD 37,000 and Doctorate Degree AUD 14,000 – AUD 37,000. 
• Canada – Under Graduate CAD 20,000 – CAD 35,000. Post Graduate CAD 15,000 – 30,000 CAD and Doctorate Degree CAD 7,000 – CAD 15,000.
• UK – Under Graduate GBP 10,000 – GBP 38,000. Post Graduate GBP 11,000 – GBP 32,000 and a Doctorate Degree GBP 3,000 – GBP 18,000. 
• USA – Under Graduate – USD 20,000 – USD 40,000. Post Graduate – USD 20,000 – USD 45,000 and Doctorate Degree USD 28,000 – USD 40,000.
• New Zealand – Under Graduate NZD 22,000 – NZD 32,000. Post Graduate NZD 26,000 – NZD 37,000 and Doctorate Degree NZD 7,000 – NZD 10,000.
• Ireland – Under Graduate EUR 10,000 – EUR 25,000. Post Graduate EUR 10,000 – EUR 35,000 and Doctorate degree EUR 6,000 – EUR 10,000.