Exploring Online Physics Degrees: A Path to Graduate School?

[NetMage]

Hello, so as the title suggests, I am in somewhat of an academic bind and am needing some honest opinions from the peoples of pf. So I have a daughter as of 1/17/2013 and must work to support my family. As of right now I have about 90 credit hours from my local university, however, the classes are quite disorderly. I was a chemistry major and after about 3 semesters I switches to comp sci. After 2 semesters I switched to math. After a few more semesters I have dropped out due to financial reasons. Moreover, I have finally discovered my true passion and that is physics, I kind of knew the whole time but my university does not offer a physics degree so I was getting my feet wet in fields I found interesting and somewhat related to physics. Now to the point...with my current job I am out of town a lot and going back to school traditionally is a bit out of the question for now. So I was curious, is getting a physics degree online from an accredited university going to stunt the possibility of going to graduate school one day. Will they frown upon an online degree? Also, are there any good online physics programs that would be acceptable for grad school? Thanks for any and all input!

 

[G01]

I have never heard of a physics program offering an online degree, or any science program for that matter. All the standard issues with online classes aside, how is one supposed to do lab classes online?

If online physics physics degrees exist I would be very skeptical of them.

 

[Astronuc]

Hello, so as the title suggests, I am in somewhat of an academic bind and am needing some honest opinions from the peoples of pf. So I have a daughter as of 1/17/2013 and must work to support my family. As of right now I have about 90 credit hours from my local university, however, the classes are quite disorderly. I was a chemistry major and after about 3 semesters I switches to comp sci. After 2 semesters I switched to math. After a few more semesters I have dropped out due to financial reasons. Moreover, I have finally discovered my true passion and that is physics, I kind of knew the whole time but my university does not offer a physics degree so I was getting my feet wet in fields I found interesting and somewhat related to physics. Now to the point...with my current job I am out of town a lot and going back to school traditionally is a bit out of the question for now. So I was curious, is getting a physics degree online from an accredited university going to stunt the possibility of going to graduate school one day. Will they frown upon an online degree? Also, are there any good online physics programs that would be acceptable for grad school? Thanks for any and all input!

Chemistry -> Comp Sci -> Math -> dropout -> Physics? Online?

A physics degree online wouldn't seem to hold against someone who attended a 4 year program.

What area of physics does one find of interest?

 

[ModusPwnd]

If you have too much on your plate to finish your BS at the university I wonder why you have grad school aspirations? Is something going to happen in the next few years that will free up your time?

 

[Matrix0]

I can understand your desire to pursue a degree in physics and your concerns about the potential impact of an online degree on your future academic pursuits. I would like to offer some insight and advice based on my experience in the field.

Firstly, I want to assure you that online degrees have become increasingly accepted and respected in the academic world. Many reputable universities now offer online programs, and the quality of education and accreditation is no different from traditional on-campus programs. In fact, online programs often offer more flexibility and accessibility for students who have other commitments, such as work or family responsibilities.

That being said, it is important to choose an accredited online program from a reputable university. This will ensure that your degree is recognized and accepted by other institutions, including graduate schools. You can research the accreditation of a program by checking with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the Department of Education.

In terms of graduate school, it is important to note that admissions committees typically consider a combination of factors, including academic performance, research experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. While an online degree may not be viewed as negatively as it once was, it may still be beneficial to have some research experience or relevant coursework in a traditional setting. This can demonstrate your commitment and proficiency in the field.

As for specific online physics programs, I recommend doing thorough research and reaching out to the admissions offices of potential graduate schools to inquire about the acceptance of online degrees. Some universities may have specific requirements or preferences, so it is best to gather as much information as possible.

In conclusion, I believe an online physics degree can be a viable option for pursuing your passion and furthering your education. Just make sure to choose a reputable program and supplement your degree with relevant experiences and coursework. Best of luck to you in your academic journey!