Are there any quality online programs for astrophysics?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the search for quality online programs in astrophysics or astronomy, particularly for individuals with military commitments. Participants explore various educational options, including degree paths and specific courses, while considering factors such as program quality and recognition.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the quality of online degree programs in astrophysics and seeks recommendations for reputable colleges offering a bachelor's in physics with a minor in astronomy.
  • Another participant suggests the Open University as a potential option for distance learning, though they express uncertainty about its recognition outside the UK.
  • A different participant mentions a specific course offered by Caltech through Coursera, highlighting its educational value but noting it may not provide credit.
  • One participant shares that they found a distance learning master's program at the University of North Dakota and seeks feedback on its quality from others.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on specific programs, and multiple competing views regarding the quality and recognition of online astrophysics programs remain. The discussion is unresolved regarding the best options available.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention limitations related to the recognition of programs based on geographical location and the use of military educational benefits, which may restrict their choices.

bombboy85
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Good morning,

I have been researching into a possible astronomy or astrophysics educational plan but my research is not looking too promising. I am enlisted the in the military currently so due to the premise of moving anywhere in the world at any time plus deployments online courses are truly the best options for me. In my research though I understandably found that if I were to find a degree path that I would like the only online options were not of very good quality.

Does anyone have any knowledge of a college that offers a high quality program that at least provides up to a bachelors in physics with a minor in astronomy. If all worked out timing wise I could find a graduate school near my location down the road to continue my education.

For those that may be curious about my current background if it may help in any way, I got my associates of applied sciences in automotive technology when I was 18 and am now in the military as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician (Bomb Squad). My current job requires at least a base understanding of mathematics, physics of explosives, electronics, engineering.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Open University (UK-based) seems to be the go-to option for distance-learning in the English-speaking world. I don't know about their quality or recognition of their physics program outside of the UK though.
 
It's not a course of study, just a single class, but you might want to try Caltech/Coursera's Galaxies and Cosmology. For serious material and the chance to learn something, these classes are just as good as being at Caltech. For credit, not so much. Yet.

You could check into whether saylor.org has anything interesting for you too.
 
Lavabug said:
Open University (UK-based) seems to be the go-to option for distance-learning in the English-speaking world. I don't know about their quality or recognition of their physics program outside of the UK though.

I checked them out and seems fairly legitimate sadly though I would be using my GI Bill so the school would likely have to be based in the United States. Thank you for the information though.

I have found an distance learning masters program from the University of North Dakota. I provided a link below to see if anyone may be able to discern it's quality or if anyone has heard much about the program and can provide any feedback it would be appreciated.

http://www.space.edu/Academic Programs/DistanceMasters.aspx
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
820