Hi there! I'm from Germany and I've been working as software developer for more than 8 years now after doing a math degree. I'm currently evaluating my options for getting an online master in astronomy (most likely JCU). I found this forum while googling for information. It seems to have impressively knowledgable people in it - from the sound of it some make two degrees each day before breakfast It's certainly overwhelming when your not familiar with this system of education. I'll probably post a real question soon.
A former member of this forum earned his Masters of Astronomy degree from JCU was was very pleased with the program. Two somewhat related USA on-line programs are Masters in Space Studies from APU and North Dakota: http://www.space.edu/Academic%20Programs/Masters.aspx http://www.apu.apus.edu/academic/programs/degree/1353/master-of-science-in-space-studies-capstone-option/1355/planetary-science#concentration
I'm currently in the AMU/APU Space Studies Master's program. They offer a planetary science concentration which you may be interested in. I was originally going to focus in planetary science but I have switched over to the the General concentration, which is more interdisciplinary, and easier to complete quickly (mostly 8 week courses). There is not a lot of astronomy focus, but you can study more of the "rocket science" type courses. However, I do like astronomy in general and I looked into James Cook University. From what I can tell, it is very well regarded. I think it is also somewhat expensive, but it is probably worth it. UNISA also offers a research-based astronomy Master's degree.
Thanks for the replies. Good to hear about JCU. Unisa sounds interesting as well, although I find their website a bit confusing to navigate. I wasn't aware of Space Studies but I think I'm more geared towards the astronomy fun I had also considered Swinburne Astronomy Online but it seems to be course-work only and I thought having a part research would be nice. Not that I intend to go the phd route and really into research. I probably should mention I'm already 33 years old. And actually, I fear the degree will not be very useful from a career point of view anyway. Can you actually do something with an astronomy master? My main motivation would be the learning itself, also, the flexible prospect of being able to do it part-time and online is appealing (long distance relationship). Still, astronomy is heavily reliant on software systems nowadays, so I wonder if I might not stumble over an interesting job for an experienced software developer with an astronomy degree someday. Of course, these will probably be fought over by astronomy phd's which didn't make it into an academic position
I've people at NASA and JPL with astronomy degrees and people in the USAF with Space Studies degrees (although they probably were already employed when they earned their masters degrees). ESA may hire people with these type degrees. One could also teach but I've heard their are lots of doctorates in astronomy looking for teaching positions. Most space oriented companies/organizations employ people experienced in space weather.