M.A in Environmental Studies is a two-year postgraduate course and its duration is of 4 semesters. The course gives the students a full picture of the environment in terms of scientific, socio-political, economic and legal views. It addresses environmental policy, ecology, sustainable development, environmental ethics, pollution control, and management of natural resources. The course enables the students to grow skills of researching, analysis, and communication of issues of ecology and sustainability.
The MA in Environmental Studies eligibility criteria require the student to have successfully acquired a Bachelor of Environmental Science or its closest subject (such as Biology, Geography, Sociology, Chemistry, etc.) degree from a recognized institution. Admission to this course is based on the entrance exam scores, such as the CUET UG.
The average course fee of M.A. in Environmental Studies program lies in INR 10,000 - 1,00,000 depending on the kind of institutes. Among the best colleges of this course are Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), University of Delhi, TISS, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Tezpur University, Pondicherry University and Amity University. It is also very affordable in that government colleges are relatively cheaper with fees as compared to the private ones.
Graduates of the M.A Environmental Studies can build their careers in environmental consultancy, research agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), governmental services, and positions that deal with sustainability. The average that the fresher can receive is 3-6 LPA and the professional and post-graduation employees can receive up to approximately 10-15 LPA, depending on the pace of context and role.
Table of Contents
- M.A. in Environmental Studies Highlights
- What is M.A. in Environmental Studies?
- Why Study M.A. in Environmental Studies?
- Who Should Study M.A. in Environmental Studies?
- M.A in Environmental Studies Eligibility Criteria
- M.A. in Environmental Studies Entrance Exams 2025
- M.A Environmental Studies College in India
- M.A. in Environmental Studies Admission Process 2025
- M.A. in Environmental Studies Syllabus
- M.A Environmental Studies Vs M.A Geography Vs MSc in Environmental Science Course Comparison
- M.A in Environmental Studies Job Opportunities in India
- M.A. Environmental Studies FAQs
M.A. in Environmental Studies Highlights
Given below are some of the basic course highlights for the MA in Environmental Studies:
What is M.A. in Environmental Studies?
The course of 2 years M.A. in Environmental Studies as a post-graduate degree course is interdisciplinary which aims to investigate the active interplay between nature and man. It serves those students who are interested in solving environmental problems and environmental sustainability, global challenges, including climate change and pollution, resource depreciation.
The curriculum of the course trainings embraces a multitude of topics such as environmental policy, ecology, sustainable development, environmental law, environmental ethics, and natural resource management. It also has modules devoted to climate change, biodiversity protection, environmental impact assessment and international environmental governance. Students are exposed to the theoretical theories and the practical approach to the study and solution of issues of the environment.
Why Study M.A. in Environmental Studies?
M.A. in Environmental Studies is an outstanding and interdisciplinary program of study, which allows students to understand critical environmental issues and in the process be equipped students to pursue environmental sustainability both locally and globally.
There are various reasons as to why pursuing an M.A in Environmental Studies is a good idea, which included the following:
- You acquire an in-depth sense of connections between nature and society: The course exposes you to a wide range of information about how natural systems work and the impact of human activity on the environment.
- It helps to develop research and critical thinking: You will not only be trained to observe, but also to analyze the information presented on the environment critically, provide ecological effects, and establish the possibility of sustainable options.
- You get acquainted with practical means of sustainability and preservation: The course sets you to tackle the issues of the real world environment through the course modules on environmental planning, climate change adaptation, waste management and environment economics.
- You become acquainted with the issues of ethics, development, and responsibilities around the world: M.A. in Environmental Studies sensitizes on the issue of ethical, economic, and developmental dilemma in using resources.
Who Should Study M.A. in Environmental Studies?
Listed below are some of the points on who should pursue an MA in Environmental Studies. Let’s have a look at them:
- Individuals with a bachelor degree in Environmental Science, Geography, Life Sciences, Botany, Zoology, Sociology, or any related field of study in a known and recognized university, and those highly interested in environmental concerns, issues, sustainability and ecology.
- The students are strongly interested in climate change, loss of biodiversity, pollution, and the sustainability of natural resources, and want to study these issues in an academic and interdisciplinary perspective.
- People who possess analytical, observational, and research capabilities and are willing to become acquainted with the relationships between policy, science, and society as they relate to environmental issues.
M.A in Environmental Studies Eligibility Criteria
In order to get admission in the course, the candidates are required to fulfill the eligibility criteria. If any of the criteria are not fulfilled, then in that case the application might be rejected. However, it might differ from college to college. Some of the main eligibility criteria are as follows,
- Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science or an equivalent degree with a minimum of 50-55% marks.
- The admission to the M.A Environmental Studies is based on the national level entrance exam score such as CUET PG.
M.A. in Environmental Studies Entrance Exams 2025
M.A. Environmental Studies admission is generally based on national-level and university-level entrance examinations.
M.A Environmental Studies College in India
Provided below is the list of some of the top M.A. Environmental Studies colleges in India. Students must be eligible in order to pursue an M.A. in Environmental Studies from these colleges.
M.A. in Environmental Studies Admission Process 2025
M.A. in Environmental Studies has an admission procedure regarding the entrance exam result in the form of CUET PG or university-level entrance evaluations, etc. Nonetheless, there are also universities where admission can take place based on merit.
The following is the admission procedure in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, step by step:
Step 1: Entry to JNU is made on basis of performance in the CUET PG entrance test. To do so, the candidate should go to the official CUET PG site and complete the application form containing personal, academic, and contact information.
Step 2: Visit the center as per the fixed date. Once you are through with the exam, you have to wait the announcement of your results.
Step 3: After you have received your results, you will have to choose Jawaharlal Nehru University as your first option under the M.A. program in Environmental Studies.
Step 4: A cut-off list of CUET PG-based universities will be published. In case your position is placing in the range of the cut-off, there is admission to the course.
Step 5: You pay the initial token fee to make your admission official. Once the payment is made, you will get the official email with the orientation date and start of the course schedule.
Documents Required:
- Bachelor Degree Mark Sheet and Certificate
- Transfer Certificate (TC)
- Conduct/Character Certificate
- Authentic Photo ID Proof (e.g, Aadhaar Card)
- Caste/EWS/Category Certificate (in case of applicable)
- Passport Photographs
- Migration Certificate (will be Necessary
M.A. in Environmental Studies Syllabus
The following is the syllabus of M.A in Environmental Studies being pursued by members at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), exclusively to give you an idea. The M.A. Environmental Studies covers 4 semesters that should last a total of 2 years.
M.A Environmental Studies Vs M.A Geography Vs MSc in Environmental Science Course Comparison
Given below is the detailed course comparison for the MA Environmental Studies, M.A Geography, and MSc in Environmental Science for the students:
M.A in Environmental Studies Job Opportunities in India
After completing the MA in Environmental science, students can pursue various Job Profiles. Given below are some of the famous Job Roles you can pursue after completing the course. Along with the top recruiters and Average Pay.
M.A. Environmental Studies FAQs
Is M.A. Environmental Studies multicultural/ interdisciplinary in any way?
The majority of the modern M.A. Environmental Studies programs are interdisciplinary based, which consists of courses in such Natural Sciences as Social Sciences, Law, Economics and Technology. Depending on the institution students can even get exposed to discussions and studies of foreign policy, international environmental law or even where they can have courses that have connections to global development, GIS mapping and the language proficiencies, specifically as a requirement, to study special research. Most of the programs also provide the elective subjects based on sustainability communication, climate negotiation, and urban planning thereby developing cross sectoral competencies to a global career.
After passing M.A. Environmental Studies, what kind of higher education field has a chance?
After completing M.A. Environmental Studies, students can go on to pursue M.Phil. or Ph.D. in Environmental Science, Climate Studies, Sustainability, Ecology, or even interdisciplinary streams like Development Studies or Public Policy. They can also opt for diploma or certification courses in Environment Law, Disaster Management, or Urban Planning. Many go on to pursue training through NET/JRF in order to become eligible for Assistant Professor or Research Fellow positions. Other opportunities include advanced degrees in Environmental Management or Environmental Engineering depending on prior qualifications.
In what ways does the course help in development of digital competencies or contemporary environmental communication?
Recognizing the growing importance of digital tools in environmental research and communication, many M.A. Environmental Studies programs offer modules on GIS (Geographic Information Systems), Remote Sensing, Data Analysis Software (such as SPSS, R), and Environment Modelling Tools. Students are also trained to communicate research findings through digital platforms, prepare environment-related blogs, policy briefs, climate podcasts, and social media campaigns. This equips them with the skills to work with NGOs, policy think tanks, research institutions, and environmental journalism platforms.
Do the students of science/commerce/arts qualify to do M.A. Environmental Studies?
Yes, most universities offering M.A. in Environmental Studies accept students from diverse academic backgrounds such as Science, Commerce, and Arts, as long as they meet the minimum eligibility criteria—usually a graduation degree with 50–55% marks in any relevant discipline. While Science students may find the ecological and biological portions easier, Commerce and Arts students often do well in policy, law, and governance modules. Many institutions conduct entrance exams or interviews to assess aptitude and readiness, but all motivated students with a passion for the environment are encouraged to apply.
