Can you locate information on a bachelors degree program in astronomy
from an accredited school (USA) via distance learning/correspondence
courses?

Perhaps two or three schools?

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Request for Question Clarification by tlspiegel-ga on 24 Jan 2003 21:48 PST

Hi snnmnd,

I did a bit of research for your question.  You might want to check
into Astronomy at the University of South Africa where you can take
correspondence courses needed for a degree in Astronomy...and
examinations are written at more than 450 conveniently located centres
all over the world.

http://www.saao.ac.za/~wgssa/as5/smits.html

"UNISA
The University of South Africa (Unisa) is a correspondence university
offering internationally recognised certificate, diploma and degree
courses up to doctoral level in a wide range of subjects to
approximately 120,000 registered students from all over the world. The
main campus is situated on a ridge overlooking the capital city of
Pretoria.

Students must submit assignments regularly so their progress can be
monitored. Examinations are written at more than 450 conveniently
located centres all over the world. The students on-line service
enables students who have access to the internet to communicate with
their lecturers and fellow students electroniically. It also provides
access to the extensive library catalogue."

An interesting page that a student wrote "WHAT'S IT LIKE TO BE AN
ASTRONOMY MAJOR AT BOSTON UNIVERSITY?"
http://www.bu.edu/astronomy/education/handout.html

"...concentrators in astronomy programs obtain a solid grounding in
physics, calculus, and basic astronomy"

I was able to come up with only one school for you because of the
schools researched, only the UNISA had what I took to be an ability to
take all courses via distance learning. Because of your request for
two or three schools I am not posting this as an answer.

If you like this as answer, you can leave a clarification and I can
post it as an answer for you.

Good Luck to you,

tlspiegel
Google Answers Researcher

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Clarification of Question by snnmnd-ga on 28 Jan 2003 17:31 PST

It seems there isn't much out there in astronomy.  From what I could
find out many people major in physics then do graduate work in
astronomy.

Maybe you could find info on physics majors by correspondence?

Either way, thanks for the info.  It is OK to close the question.

Thanks.

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Request for Question Clarification by tlspiegel-ga on 28 Jan 2003 19:19 PST

Hi again,

Would you like me to try and find information on distance learning in
the US for an undergraduate degree in physics?  If so, please post a
clarification and I'll work further on the question.  My brother was a
physics major and has 2 PhD degrees from Harvard.  (Not distance
learning, of course!)  I'll await your reply,

tlspiegel
Google Answers researcher

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Clarification of Question by snnmnd-ga on 28 Jan 2003 20:38 PST

Yes, that would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

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Request for Question Clarification by tlspiegel-ga on 29 Jan 2003 08:42 PST

Hi snnmnd,

I'm going to release this question because I cannot seem to locate
what you desire.  Perhaps another researcher can find the answer for
you.  My brother is visiting me this week, and I asked him if he had
any recommendations - unfortunately he has no knowledge about
correspondence schools.  You may wish to leave the question open,
however it's up to you.  Maybe someone else can answer or leave a
comment that will find you a good source of education.  Good Luck to
you,

tlspiegel
Google Answers Researcher

I would consider the Open University, the biggest University in the
world, and much respected.
There are many options for overseas students, although prices for
courses may be higher for students based outside the UK.

Learning is to degree level if you wish, courses usually start in Feb
and run to June/July.
There are others that begin in May.

Courses are normally 30 or 60 point level, where 360 points are
required to be awarded a degree
60 point courses can be difficult if you have other commitments,
because the time needed at this level is much the same as a full time
student attending a conventional university.


Introducing Astronomy level 1 £75.00
Planets: an introduction level 1 no price fixed yet
How the Universe works level 1 £75.00

Astronomy level 2 £225.00
Planetary Science 2 level 2 £225.00

Space, Time and Cosmology level 3 £225.00
The Energetic Universe level 3 £225.00

http://www.open.ac.uk/

hope this helps

Hi Sammy,

You might try looking into Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. 
Their main campus is in Florida, but they are pioneers in distance
learning/extended campus programs, and might have a program that would
suit your needs as they specialize in aerospace education.  Check out
the homepage for their distance learning program at: 
http://www.erau.edu/0Universe/03/03home.html

Good luck,
--Byrd