What courses do I need for a Ph.D. in theoretical physics?

[LKearce]

Due to circumstances outside of my control, I couldn't go to college after high school. Physics is my passion however and I refuse to give up. I have a 5 month old so it would be in my best interest to start my schooling online. I'm only the 2nd person in my family to go to college. So, I don't know what courses I would need to take or exactly what degree I need to start off with. Can anyone help me out here?

 

[BvU]

Hello L,

I always refer to Gerard 't Hooft : How to become a GOOD theoretical physicist

Rather a tall order, I admit. Kudos for trying !

 

[Dishsoap]

First off, you'd definitely need a bachelor's degree in physics. There have been some posts discussing online methods to get a physics degree, but the end conclusion is that although you might be able to "technically" receive a bachelor's degree entirely online, you'd be hard-pressed to find someone who did their degree entirely online and then was able to be admitted into graduate school.

However, you could definitely begin taking classes online and then transfer to a local university for your degree in-person (at whatever pace you need, even 1 class a semester is better than 0). Physics generally requires a couple semesters of calculus and "general physics", and depending on the university, you may need to take some general education courses. A lot of these can be done online through that university, or another nearby one. You might want to talk to an advisor at either a university or a nearby community college. TL;DR- It's totally possible for you to begin pursuing a physics degree online, but you'll need to go to a brick-and-mortar university at some point.