Where Can I Find a Good Online Master's Program in Physics?

  • Thread starter Thread starter arvi8689
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Education
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for reputable online master's programs in physics, particularly in the context of pursuing further education after obtaining a doctorate in a different field. Participants explore the feasibility and implications of distance learning in physics, especially regarding the necessity of practical laboratory experience.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in pursuing an online master's in physics to enhance their knowledge and resume for a future PhD in physics.
  • Another participant questions the rationale behind pursuing a second doctorate, suggesting that the focus should be on learning rather than obtaining academic credit.
  • Concerns are raised about the limitations of distance education in physics, particularly the lack of access to laboratory facilities necessary for a solid experimental foundation.
  • Some participants propose that while theoretical physics could potentially be taught effectively through distance learning, practical experimental training remains essential, especially at the undergraduate or master's level.
  • There are suggestions that hybrid models of distance learning could incorporate practical experiences, such as short-term lab access or shipping equipment to students, but skepticism exists regarding the willingness of institutions to implement such solutions.
  • One participant highlights the potential oversupply of physics PhDs if distance learning becomes more accessible, indicating a concern about the job market for physicists.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the value and feasibility of online master's programs in physics. While some acknowledge the potential for theoretical learning, there is significant concern about the lack of practical experience in distance education. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to distance learning in physics.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of laboratory experience in physics education, suggesting that current distance learning models may not adequately address this need. There is also mention of the economic implications of increasing the number of physics graduates.

arvi8689
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hey

I am doing a Doctorate study in Biomedical science in the US. One other field that interests me a lot is Physics. I am planning to do another PhD in Physics and I would like to start building my knowledge and resume for it from now. For doing so I thought of taking up an online masters course in physics which will brush my knowledge of physics as well as improve my resume to apply for phd in physics. Can you suggest me some good places for a distance online MS in physics. I tried searching for it but I couldn't find anything very useful.

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
arvi8689 said:
I am doing a Doctorate study in Biomedical science in the US. One other field that interests me a lot is Physics. I am planning to do another PhD in Physics and I would like to start building my knowledge and resume for it from now.

It doesn't make any sense to be that you are getting a second doctorate. Once you have one doctorate, I don't see any point in getting another one.

The hard part about distance learning isn't finding material. It's getting academic credit. If you are in a situation in which you just want to learn stuff and don't care about academic credit, then just use google and amazon.
 
I find distance-education degrees in physics problematic - you really need access to good labs to get a sound experimental background.
 
e.bar.goum said:
I find distance-education degrees in physics problematic - you really need access to good labs to get a sound experimental background.

In fact, if someone really wanted to, I'm pretty sure that you could create a top-notch doctorate program in theoretical physics via distance learning. But no one seems interested in doing that. Right now the system can't handle the 1000 or so physics Ph.D.'s that come out today, and if you make it easier for people to get a Ph.D., you'll end up with even more of a glut.
 
twofish-quant said:
In fact, if someone really wanted to, I'm pretty sure that you could create a top-notch doctorate program in theoretical physics via distance learning.

For sure, but at an undergrad or masters-without-having-first-done-physics level, I really think that having a good experimental background is essential even if you want to be a theoretician. I don't see that being possible for distance learning.
 
e.bar.goum said:
I really think that having a good experimental background is essential even if you want to be a theoretician. I don't see that being possible for distance learning.

Distance learning courses don't and often aren't 100% distance. You can have a course on astrophysics for six months and then spend two weeks of that at an observatory. You could also ship a physics/electronics lab to the student for him to do some simple things.

If you think about the issues, there are ways around them, but no one has an interest in even *trying* to make it easier for people to learn physics, because then we'd have too many physicists for the economy and society to support (and I consider this a problem with the economy and society).
 

Similar threads

Programs Masters programs in Math with non-strict math credit requirements
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Programs Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Masters online
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Other Updating Resume for Graduate School Admissions in India: Adding Online Courses
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Admissions Getting into a top tier Physics PhD Program with a Masters Degree
  • · Replies 50 ·
2
Replies
50
Views
12K
Other How can I fill course requirements for Physics Master's program?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Admissions I plan to apply for PhD program on 2025 Fall. What do you think?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Admissions Is it harder to get into a top US PhD Program with a German Master's degree?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
5K
Programs Physics Masters at undergrad school before PhD?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Programs Mathematical/Theoretical Physics MSc with High Teaching Quality
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Programs University of Edinburgh or King's College London for mathematical physics masters?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K