Environmental Science is a multidisciplinary field which includes a study of natural sciences such as physics, chemistry, biology, geology as well as mathematics. The objective is to prepare students to understand aspects of environmental conservation, climate change, biodiversity, water and soil contamination, and much more. Environmental Engineering primarily focuses on aspects such as water treatment, solid waste management, industrial waste management, air pollution, sewage disposal, as well as topics in renewable energy.
Education in Environmental Science
Not many universities in India offer bachelor level degrees in Environmental Science or Engineering. While there are a few, the most popular amongst them is the BTech in Environmental Engineering offered by IIT Kharagpur. To pursue a career in Environmental Science/Engineering, one may either pursue their BSc in one of the pure science areas or an engineering degree in Civil or Mechanical or Electrical engineering and then take up a specialized masters level degree in Environmental Science or Environmental Engineering either in India or abroad.
Careers in Environmental Science/Engineering
After a degree in Environmental Science or Engineering, one can opt for various career options either on the technical or on the managerial front. Most common career options are:
- Environmental/Conservation Scientist – Specializing in one or more aspects of environmental science such as air, water, soil conservation, pollution control techniques and more.
- Environmental Consultant – Advising organizations and governments on matters related to sustainable development and more.
- Water management expert – Working on one or more aspects of waste management
- Environmental Policy advisor – Advising organizations and governments on adhering to or formulating environmental policies.
- Renewable Energy expert – Working on one of the aspects of renewable energy such as wind energy, solar energy etc
- Marine biologist – Studying aspects of life in the sea and the environment on which it depends.
- Environmental Data Analyst – Ideally suited for those with a strong background in mathematics, statistics and computing with an interest in environmental science.
If you are a student interested in environmental issues, be it on the technical, managerial, policy, or legal side, a career in this domain is worth giving it a thought.
Jothsna is the co-founder of Academy One, a career guidance and study abroad counseling venture. Prior to founding Academy One in 2005, Jothsna worked as an IT and business consultant with companies like Motorola and Trajen Inc. in the USA. She holds an engineering degree in computer science from Andhra University and a MS from the University of Texas. She also received her MBA from the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University, USA.