Some may already be aware that the University of Western Sydney has closed its intake into their Astronomy Internet Program (AIM) for the Master of Astronomy degree. New students are not being accepted and current students are going through the teach out phase. Some of the expertise of the AIM program has carried over to James Cook University whereby an Internet based research Doctor of Astronomy (DoA -- I am sure we will have a board heyday with the acronym) will soon be announced. It will rely on the use of virtual observatories. The program has not yet been officially announced but information is going out soon (matter of days I expect) to AIM alumni. If anyone is interested in this program please send me an e-mail and I will provide you with the JCU faculty member who is leading the effort (once publically announced I will provide more details to contact the program directly). Overall this is an exciting and pioneering doctoral program in the field of astronomy. Best, John My e-mail: [email protected]
Why are they discontinuing the master's degree in astronomy? Lack of students, lack of funds, or whatever is behind door #3? Tom Nixon
It was door #3. The university did a reorg and the program seemed to have lost support from the administration even though student commitment was high and enrollment appeared good. That is about as best as I can piece it together so far as the facts are really rather sketchy to alumni. John
That's too bad. It seemed like a high-quality program. Hard to imagine dumping a program that had money and students. Clearly someone in charge is from another planet. Tom Nixon
Swinburne still has their distance MS in astronomy. For UWS many are lamenting the passing of AIM. John
Where is Swinburne, and where do I find info about ther MS in Astronomy program? I LOVE astronomy, and have taken honors coursework in college in astronomy/cosmology.
Hi Sammy, I have confirmed that Saint Regis University offers a MS in Astronomy. The program looks very interesting, allowing you to design the degree around your own interests and abilities. Also, the price is more than competive in regards to both monetary cost and opportunity cost when compared to the programs at brick and mortar schools, or even with the distance program through Swinburne. Good luck, Tony
I'm assuming you're being sarcastic. I want to STUDY astronomy, not get credit for what I supposedly already KNOW about it (I know I don't have a "master" level anyways). Do they REALLY have a course/research/etc. program, or are you just pulling my leg? You have to be pulling my leg--an astronomy course at Saint Regis?
Well Dick, They state on their page that they evaluate your prior knowledge, and depending on your qualifications, they either reward you with the degree or set up a degree program for you. They make it seem somewhat like a learning contract used at properly accredited institutions. Why don't you apply and see what happens??? Take care, Tony
"DICK"?!!!?! My name is Sammy, not "Dick". Take your childish name calling elsewhere!!! And to think you're a "Senior" member. Shame on you!
OK, I'm sorry. Maybe next time use "Dic". I would have understood that, maybe? Thanks. Sorry for jumping to conclusions. sammy
No prob Sammy. I believe you are sincere about this 'university'. Why don't you apply for an MS in Astronomy and see what happens? You may have enough experience to get it. Tony I'm interested in this, I applied and did have enough experience to get an MS in Astronomy. I did tell a few fibs however, but they were never checked out.
It's not Scottish It's the most infamous degree mill of all time. Unc's right; ignore it completely. -=Steve=-
