Earn Bachelor's Degree in Physics: Best Option?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the options available for individuals working full-time who wish to pursue a bachelor's degree in physics. It explores various educational formats such as evening courses, online courses, and the scheduling of classes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that evening courses or online courses may be viable options for working individuals, but the effectiveness of online learning is questioned, particularly for subjects requiring problem-solving.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of personal circumstances, stating that there is no universally "best" choice and that it depends on the individual’s situation.
  • Another participant recommends starting with introductory physics and calculus courses to gauge interest and suitability for university-level physics.
  • There are mentions of specific institutions offering night sections for required courses, indicating that some schools accommodate working students effectively.
  • One participant shares their experience of coordinating with their employer to adjust work hours for class attendance, highlighting the importance of flexibility in work schedules.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that multiple options exist for pursuing a degree while working, but there is no consensus on which option is superior. The discussion reflects varying personal experiences and preferences.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the variability of course availability at different institutions and the personal circumstances of individuals, which can significantly affect the choice of educational format.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a bachelor's degree in physics while maintaining full-time employment, as well as those interested in the scheduling and format of courses available for working students.

jhooper3581
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Let's say a person is working full-time on a job. Then, if he/she wanted to get a bachelor's degree in physics for example, then what's his/her best choice? To take a university's evening courses, or online courses, or what?
 
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Courses are usually scheduled during the daytime (at least all except a couple of my science classes were). Online courses are fine but there is only so much you can learn from that method. I took an intro pharmacology course online and found it fine, but that is probably because it is more memorization than solving problems. If you want to work full time and go back to school then you should look into schools of your choice for schedules, degree planning, etc and also look to re-organize your life as being a full time student is tough even without a full time job.
 
I don't think there's a "best" choice out there. It really depends on the person.

I would suggest that you start out by taking a first-year university physics class and maybe first year calculus as well. This will help you get your feet wet and learn if the study of physics at the university level is what you really want to do.
 
VeeEight said:
Courses are usually scheduled during the daytime (at least all except a couple of my science classes were)

I go to a big commuter school that caters to people who work, so there are almost always night sections of all the prereqs and a lot of the required courses. By the time I got to the 3rd year of engineering, I couldn't get out of taking night courses. I also know guys who are working full time and just have it sorted out with their boss for the hours they need to miss to be in class.
 

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