Acceptance of Science Degrees

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by JoeSmith, Dec 26, 2004.

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  1. JoeSmith

    JoeSmith New Member

    I am currently considering making a career change and right now my only real option would be distance learning. I am very interested in science and I want to know if anyone knows the acceptance rate of DL science degrees (physics, astronomy, biology, and chemistry) by academia and research. I can't earn the bachelors with any kind of residency but I could, if my conditions improve over the course of the next few years, complete the MS and Ph.D. with some residency. I've also heard that there is an Australian university that offer MS and Ph.D. degrees with some kind of "remote site" training. Could anyone tell me more?






    "Be an optimist, at least until they start moving animals in pairs to Cape Kennedy." — Anonymous.
     
  2. nosborne48

    nosborne48 Well-Known Member

    I don't think that there ARE any accredited D/L hard science bachelor's degrees. You have to put in the lab time, you see. There are some accredited D/L bachelor's degrees in engineering but even these require resident lab courses.
     
  3. TCord1964

    TCord1964 New Member

    Not sure if it's what you're looking for, but Birkbeck at the University of London offers an Earth Sciences undergraduate degree by distance education, and no fieldwork is required. It looks like it has a heavy emphasis on Geology. You can find the link here:

    http://www.bbk.ac.uk/study/ug/earthsci/earthscibsc.html

    You would have to check out accreditation, but it looks legit.
     
  4. Ian Anderson

    Ian Anderson Active Member

    James Cook University offers Master of Astronomy, Doctor of Astronomy, and (I think) PhD degrees via DL.
    http://www.jcu.edu.au/school/mathphys/astronomy/mmasters.shtml
     
  5. horne

    horne New Member

    Athabasca University in Alberta, Canada offers a general science degree (BSc) via D/L. www.athabascau.ca
     
  6. JoeSmith

    JoeSmith New Member

    Thank you all for the advice. Does anyone know if the degrees you mentioned or others would allow me to take the courses that would normally require lab work at a community college near my home. I think that I could pull that off, taking a few traditional courses. Central Queensland University offers several science degrees with "home laboratory kits." Anyone have an opinion on that or heard of other schools that provides that service? And if it turns out that DL science degrees aren't worth the time (I'd still like to know if anyone knows if research, academia, and industry will accept them) does anyone know if there are any good Math programs that are acceptable to the abovementioned groups? Also, would taking a program that has proctored exams at nearby colleges increase the legitimacy of a degree? Thanks.
     
  7. TCord1964

    TCord1964 New Member

    What field are you looking to enter? Depending on what it is, you may want to contact professional organizations or research facilities which deal with your potential field of study and direct your questions toward them. They would know better what type of credentials and educational background would be required. They may even be able to direct you to an educational program in your area.
     
  8. nobycane

    nobycane New Member

    There are quite a few distance learning "science" degrees that does not require residency, with the exception of one field research class and/or thesis project presentation (for masters).

    As far as a bachelor's DL degrees in science, I know of the following areas that are really good.

    - Meterology (atmospheric sciences)
    - Geology
    - Oceanography
    - Astronomy
    - Geography (GIS)

    As far as Biology & Chemistry & Physics? Not to sure.

    If you are intrested in any of the above...PM me and I will give you a list with website links

    :D

    Jay
     
  9. TCord1964

    TCord1964 New Member

    I noticed while reading my Thomas Edison State College catalogue today that they also offer a Bachelors degree in Biology.
     
  10. horne

    horne New Member

    Athabasca University science courses offer an equivalent "home lab" kit which the student borrows from the university.
     
  11. JoeSmith

    JoeSmith New Member

    I'd like to say thanks again to you all for your advice. TCord1964 I took your advice and contacted two proffessional science organizations. I received a reponse from one, the American Institute for Biological Sciences. This was their e-mail:

    "Hello Joe,

    Great to hear that you are interested in pursuing a biology career. I understand your dilemma, and more and more students are just like you. So the answer is yes, you can earn a degree through a combination of distance learning courses and local/community college courses for your lab work. Here are some links to additional information for you:

    The Princeton Review: Why Distance Learning? article http://www.princetonreview.com/cte/articles/distance/distance_why.asp and a list of online course providers: http://www.princetonreview.com/cte/career_resources.asp?

    Peterson's information: http://www.petersons.com/ and their section on distance learning: http://www.petersons.com/distancelearning/

    The Chronicle of Higher Education (subscription required, but perhaps your local college library has a subscription?) has excellent articles and career advice including info on distance education: http://chronicle.com/chronicle/

    I hope that this information is helpful to you. I wish you the best and do let me know if I can be of further assistance.

    Sincerely,
    Susan"

    I also contacted the American Institute of Physics but haven't yet received a reply, though I assume their answer maybe the same. But to be sure I will wait a few days and if I haven't heard anything I'll try again. So thank you all again for your help.
     

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