PhD in Mountain Environment is an advanced research program that focuses on understanding the complex ecological, geological and socio-economic dynamics of mountain regions. Mountains are a huge provider of vital sources of water, biodiversity and cultural heritage. It is also highly vulnerable to climate change, deforestation and unsustainable development.
The PhD course provides an individual with disciplines which can be interconnected including environmental science, ecology, geography, geology, policy studies and much more. With the help of a PhD in Mountain Environment, an individual investigates issues like glacial retreat, ecosystem services, sustainable livelihood, and conservation strategies. Careers in this field can be found in academia, environmental consultancy, etc.
With a PhD degree, an individual learns advanced methodologies, in research, data analysis and environmental modeling, which could help them in addressing real world challenges. This article dives deep into the aspects of PhD in Mountain Environment including admission process, eligibility, career scope and much more.
Table Of Content
🔷 PhD in Mountain Environment: Overview
🔷 What is a PhD in Mountain Environment?
🔷 PhD in Mountain Environment: Eligibility Criteria
🔷 PhD in Mountain Environment: Admission Process
🔷 Research Trends in PhD in Mountain Environment
🔷 Career Scope and Salary in India
🔷 Conclusion
🔷 Frequently Asked Questions
PhD in Mountain Environment: Overview
Mentioned below is a table which presents an individual with an overview for a PhD in Mountain Environment.
| Course Name | PhD in Mountain Environment |
|---|---|
| Course Level | Doctorate |
| Course Duration | 3 – 5 years, depending on the university and research work |
| Admission Eligibility | Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Geography, Ecology, Geology, Forestry or related field with an aggregate of 55% or above along with an entrance exam. |
| Course Fee | INR 50,000 – INR 2,50,000 |
| Top Institutes | Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi University, Kumaun University, GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, ICIMOD and more. |
| Salary | INR 5 – INR 12 LPA |
| Job Positions | Environmental Scientist, Climate Change Analyst, Mountain Ecosystem Researcher, University Professor, Conservationist Specialist, Policy Advisor and more. |
| Entrance Exams | UGC NET, GATE, CSIR NET, and University-based entrance exams. |
| Recruiting Sectors | Universities and Research Institutes, Environmental NGOs, Government Departments, International Organizations and more. |
What is a PhD in Mountain Environment?
PhD in Mountain Environment is a research-intensive doctoral program which engrosses an individual to study the ecosystems, resources and human-environment interactions in the mountain region. During the extensive coursework which lasts a year, an individual learns and explores about biodiversity conservation, glacial retreat, natural hazards, and impact of climate change of high-altitude communities.
The program focuses on combining other disciplines including environmental science, ecology, geography, anthropology and policy studies. The course duration is 3-5 years, depending on the university and research work. The program helps an individual to make new innovations to restore the mountain environment as it was, while also ensuring the well-being of the individual who are dependent on them.
PhD in Mountain Environment: Eligibility Criteria
PhD in Mountain Environment is a course that lures individuals to pursue the course due its nature of helping in the betterment of the environment. Mentioned below are the PhD eligibility which can help an individual in deciding if they can pursue the program.
1.A candidate should have a master’s degree in environmental science, geography, ecology, geology, climate change, natural resource management or related field with an aggregate of 55% from a recognized university.
2. Along with that, a candidate must appear in entrance exam including UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE or university-based entrance exam.
3. Some of the universities prefer having individuals with prior working experience but it is not mandatory.
4. A candidate should also present their research proposal before the committee for the final selection process. The research proposal should consist of context, objective and methods of your research.
PhD in Mountain Environment: Admission Process
PhD admissions usually take place two times a year in India: February and July. The PhD admission process usually consists of entrance exam and submission of the research proposal. Mentioned below is the admission process for a PhD in Mountain Environment.
Step 1: Research Thoroughly: For an admission to PhD in Mountain Environment, an individual should research thoroughly about the universities that provide with the course. It is also important to note other criteria including eligibility, faculty, curriculum and if your research ideas align with the university guidelines.
Step 2: Filling In of Admission Form: When the candidate has finalized the university, the next step is to fill in the admission form when it is released. The inidividual should fill the form with the help of their original documents to avoid any mistake.
Step 3: Appearing for Entrance Exam: Entrances are most crucial as they help in determining how much knowledge you hold about the specific field of study. Entrance exams include UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE or university-based entrance exams.
Step 4: Personal Interview: Some of the selected individuals are selected for a personal interview based on their entrance score. During the personal interview, the candidate should present their research proposal to the committee which will help them in deciding if the proposal aligns with the university guidelines.
Step 5: Awaiting Admissions: Once all the written formalities are over, the next step is to wait profoundly for the result. The result is announced on the university’s website, and an email is sent to the selected students titled “offer letter” to inform them of their selection.
Step 6: Document Verification and Fee Payment: With your final section to the program, an individual must verify their documents, physically as they help in with the final admission. Along with that, an individual would be asked to make a fee payment for the first semester. Once this is completed. An individual will be enrolled in the university for their PhD.
Research Trends in PhD in Mountain Environment
PhD programme helps an individual explore knowledge and how research is done. But, along the way, an individual also learns to write their own and original research work under the guidance of a supervisor.
Writing on a trending topic can often help an individual with long term goals. Mentioned below are some of the top research trends for PhD in Mountain Environment.
1.Natural Hazards and Risk Management: Researching on natural hazards like earthquakes, avalanches, landslides and floods can help an individual in learning about the scientific and technological tools for hazard mapping and risk reduction. Researching on this helps them in realizing early dangers and planning for vulnerable mountain communities.
2. Remote Sensing and GIS Applications: Using geospatial technology for monitoring land-use changes, deforestation and glacial shifts which can help PhD researchers with modern analytical skills. Mastering these skills can help an individual in research quality, and career prospects in academia, consultancy and much more.
3. Climate Change and Glacial Retreat: Climate Change, particularly glacial retreat helps the researcher in understanding water security, ecosystem shifts and disaster risks in mountain regions. PhD projects tackle and contribute solutions to sustainable water resource management, adaptation strategies and policymaking on global warming effects.
PhD in Mountain Environment: Career Scope and Salary in India
A PhD in Mountain Environment offers an individual with diverse career options including research, academia, policy and environmental management, allowing researchers to address ecological and climatic challenges while finding ways of sustainable development.
| Career Scope | Description | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Scientist | An Environmental Scientist conducts research on biodiversity, climate and other ecological processes in mountain regions. These individuals work with institutions or companies. | INR 6 – 12 LPA |
| Climate Change Analyst | A Climate Change Analyst assesses the impact of climate change, develops strategies for mitigation and adaptation for high-altitude communities. | INR 7 – 12 LPA |
| Sustainability Consultant | The work of a Sustainability Consultant is to develop and implement sustainable practices, advising on resource efficiency and developing ESG reporting strategies. | INR 8 – 15 LPA |
| Policy Advisor | A Policy Advisor researches, analyses, and evaluates the existing policies and legislation, creating a system of checks while also providing expert guidance and recommendations to decision makers. | INR 10 – 20 LPA |
Conclusion
PhD in Mountain Environment is one of the highest academic degrees which honors new knowledge and innovation. The field is interdisciplinary connecting many other disciplines to create something new. It is the perfect degree for the individual who wants to explore more about the mountain and its environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a PhD programme in Mountain Environment provide an individual with a doctoral title?
Yes, the essence of a PhD degree in Mountain Engineering lies in the original research work which honors you with a doctorate title (Dr.) before your name.
Can I skip entrance exams and just research the interview stage for a PhD in Mountain Environment?
No, Entrance exams are necessary to appear in. Some of the entrance exams include UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE and university-based entrances. They help in determining the knowledge you imbibe related to the field.
Can you list out some of the career scope for PhD in Mountain Environment?
Yes, some of the career scope for a PhD in Mountain Environment include Lecturer, Environmental Scientist, Conservationist Specialist, Sustainability Consultant, and Policy Advisor.
How does the theoretical coursework help in PhD thesis writing?
A theoretical coursework helps in PhD thesis writing as it helps in creating a conceptional framework for the specification. Along with that, it also helps in learning about the research tools and methodologies which come at a larger use in PhD thesis.
I have done my Master in Natural Resource and Governance from TISS with an aggregate of 60%. Am I eligible for a PhD in Mountain Environment?
Yes, if you have done master’s in natural resource and governance with an aggregate score of 60% from any institution, you are eligible for PhD in Mountain Environment.
