Is it possible to earn a physics degree online?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility of earning a physics degree or taking physics courses entirely online, particularly in the context of the importance of laboratory work in the field of physics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to pursue online physics courses or a degree, seeking information on accredited or non-accredited options.
  • Another participant argues against the viability of online physics education, emphasizing the necessity of laboratory work that cannot be effectively conducted online.
  • A different participant reinforces the idea that natural sciences, including physics, typically require in-person labs, suggesting that any online program would likely lack accreditation.
  • Another contributor agrees that labs are crucial for understanding physics concepts, indicating that online courses may not provide the same depth of learning.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that laboratory work is essential for physics education, and there is a consensus that online programs may not be able to meet this requirement. However, there is disagreement regarding the availability and quality of online physics courses.

Contextual Notes

Participants express concerns about the limitations of online learning in the context of physics, particularly regarding the lack of hands-on laboratory experience and the potential accreditation issues of online programs.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering online education in physics, particularly those interested in the implications of laboratory work on learning outcomes.

Igren
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I currently work in a completely unrelated field and ma not interested in a career change. I graduated from UF with a bachelors and masters in management. There is still a huge void I am feeling these days that I never took my love for physics seriously enough. I would like to take some physics courses and possibly get a degree or certificate from some institution. Are there any accredited or non-accredited physics courses or degrees I can take completely online? If there are please email me directly with any information or respond here. Its obviously easier to get me at my personal email.

justin@thunder-lizard.com
 
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Uh, no. You sign up to a forum, you come here to read replies. That's the way it works. =S

I doubt there will be any good courses. A part of physics are labs. Those need to be done in groups and with materials. Kinda hard to do it over the net.

PL
 
You can't do any of the natural sciences of engineering online. Too much of it involves labs. If you do find an online physics program it won't be accredited.
 
Yep. I think labs are almost as important as the classes. I know there would be some stuff I couldn't quite grasp during the lectures. Then I would make the lab the next day and see how obvious the material was.

I think most science majors would be not worth it to do online.
 

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