- #1
MAAntonius
- 4
- 1
Ladies and Gentlemen of PhysicsForum,
This is an awesome venue filled with great resources. I look forward to expanding my abilities within the realm of sciences by using the resources listed here and occasional consultation with the really generous posters who are far more experienced than I ever will be.
As mentioned in my introductory thread, I'm active Navy, basically permanent-shore/desk job, but work some gnarly shifts that rotate more frequently than the length of a single semester. That is all to preface that I don't see myself able to take any courses at a Brick & Mortar institution near me because even if I'd registered for night courses, I could very inconveniently be thrown on a swing shift peri-semester. As it stands, I possesses a mere Associate's and aim first to learn as much about math as possible in the remaining 4 years of my enlistment, and peripherally prepare myself optimally for a B&M BS at a great school.
I've read the following threads on this site:
1) https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/bs-in-mathematics-online.267655/
2) https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/online-mathematics-courses.685335/
From them I've ascertained that an online degree in math is a true inhibitor to future achievement in the field in a lot of ways. I was never a fan of such courses before, but am largely considering due to the military. They emphasize the value of pursuing any degree whatsoever and using Tuition Assistance (which caps at $250/unit, $4500 per year) "or suffering the consequences."
A fellow Marine and I have deemed far more valuable to expand our knowledge and ability rather than ascend the ladder of education without attaining many real qualifications. To this end, we've shared Logic textbooks (from the Philosophy side of symbolic and predicate logic), work a bit out of Spivak's Calculus, and are seeking as many resources as possible. Is it a wise approach to use our time to try to come out of the military as ~26 year old "super-prepared sophomores/Juniors in a BS program" but not pursue credit?
I've also seen Micromass's excellent "Self-Study of Mathematics" thread. "Should I Become a Mathematician" has a wonderful list of books to delve into. With nearly 4.5 years, I think I can sacrifice some of my Arabic and French from work to really get my head into the "better" parts of mathematics I failed to reach for before. I appreciate any input that can be provided on these endeavors, but especially look forward to criticism (and I have a thick skin, so lay in if needed!) on the degree/no degree/etc. matters.
Thanks for reading and any input you all may have.
All the best,
MAA
This is an awesome venue filled with great resources. I look forward to expanding my abilities within the realm of sciences by using the resources listed here and occasional consultation with the really generous posters who are far more experienced than I ever will be.
As mentioned in my introductory thread, I'm active Navy, basically permanent-shore/desk job, but work some gnarly shifts that rotate more frequently than the length of a single semester. That is all to preface that I don't see myself able to take any courses at a Brick & Mortar institution near me because even if I'd registered for night courses, I could very inconveniently be thrown on a swing shift peri-semester. As it stands, I possesses a mere Associate's and aim first to learn as much about math as possible in the remaining 4 years of my enlistment, and peripherally prepare myself optimally for a B&M BS at a great school.
I've read the following threads on this site:
1) https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/bs-in-mathematics-online.267655/
2) https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/online-mathematics-courses.685335/
From them I've ascertained that an online degree in math is a true inhibitor to future achievement in the field in a lot of ways. I was never a fan of such courses before, but am largely considering due to the military. They emphasize the value of pursuing any degree whatsoever and using Tuition Assistance (which caps at $250/unit, $4500 per year) "or suffering the consequences."
A fellow Marine and I have deemed far more valuable to expand our knowledge and ability rather than ascend the ladder of education without attaining many real qualifications. To this end, we've shared Logic textbooks (from the Philosophy side of symbolic and predicate logic), work a bit out of Spivak's Calculus, and are seeking as many resources as possible. Is it a wise approach to use our time to try to come out of the military as ~26 year old "super-prepared sophomores/Juniors in a BS program" but not pursue credit?
I've also seen Micromass's excellent "Self-Study of Mathematics" thread. "Should I Become a Mathematician" has a wonderful list of books to delve into. With nearly 4.5 years, I think I can sacrifice some of my Arabic and French from work to really get my head into the "better" parts of mathematics I failed to reach for before. I appreciate any input that can be provided on these endeavors, but especially look forward to criticism (and I have a thick skin, so lay in if needed!) on the degree/no degree/etc. matters.
Thanks for reading and any input you all may have.
All the best,
MAA