Where are the online math programs?
October 16, 2006 7:09 AM Subscribe
Online Degree Question: Has anyone actually completed a math degree online? If so, what school did you attend and how would you rate it?
Regular college is out due to time restrictions. (I work in an unrelated field that pays me enough that I don't want to quit.) I'd like to get a math degree, but most online programs I've come across are business related. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Regular college is out due to time restrictions. (I work in an unrelated field that pays me enough that I don't want to quit.) I'd like to get a math degree, but most online programs I've come across are business related. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Can I ask what your goal is in pursuing a math degree?
Is it for personal fulfillment and enjoyment (yes, some of us enjoy math. shutup) or are you doing this with some career goals of some kind?
If it's just for kicks, I'd recommend checking out MIT's Open Courseware.
If you need an actual degree, depending on what your goals are, I might have some different ideas. (I do math.)
posted by lastyearsfad at 11:28 AM on October 16, 2006
Is it for personal fulfillment and enjoyment (yes, some of us enjoy math. shutup) or are you doing this with some career goals of some kind?
If it's just for kicks, I'd recommend checking out MIT's Open Courseware.
If you need an actual degree, depending on what your goals are, I might have some different ideas. (I do math.)
posted by lastyearsfad at 11:28 AM on October 16, 2006
Also: I should note that if you're doing this to pursue a graduate degree of some kind, it's not impossible to get into graduate school in mathematics without a mathematics degree.
I have a good friend who was working in marketing, decided math was her calling, sat in on some mathematics courses and is now enrolled in a grad program. And a pretty good one too.
posted by lastyearsfad at 11:31 AM on October 16, 2006
I have a good friend who was working in marketing, decided math was her calling, sat in on some mathematics courses and is now enrolled in a grad program. And a pretty good one too.
posted by lastyearsfad at 11:31 AM on October 16, 2006
Response by poster: lastyearsfad, I don't have the math chops for jumping into a graduate program yet, so I figured an undergrad would be worth pursuing. It just feels like it's something I want do.
posted by fellion at 1:14 PM on October 16, 2006
posted by fellion at 1:14 PM on October 16, 2006
I'd look into OpenCourseWare. I'm not aware of an "online university" that is an accredited degree-granting program, so they're all basically scams.
posted by Mr. Gunn at 5:15 PM on October 16, 2006
posted by Mr. Gunn at 5:15 PM on October 16, 2006
So, I've been mulling this over for a couple of days trying to come up with some good advice about what to do if you really want to learn some serious mathematics and can't do it the traditional way. (Which is kinda tough, since mathematics is a very 'traditional' field.)
First of all, The University of Washington has an online Applied Mathematics Degree program. I don't know if applied math is what you're interested in.
If you're interested in doing a pure mathematics degree, I have a feeling just by the nature of the field you're going to have a difficult time finding an online degree program, especially one that is as comprehensive as what's available through MIT's Open Courseware.
One option that did occur to me is to enroll in a traditional university and try arrange to learn the same material that is taught in the classes as independent study courses. It's not really online, but it would remove the day/campus restrictions.
As far as setting something like that up, most large public universities offer some sections of their courses online, and I'd suggest taking as many online mathematics courses as they offer, and doing as well in them as you possibly can. If you can prove you're a solid student with a real interest in mathematics, then start talking to people in the department, explain you're a non-traditional student that still wants to earn a degree. You'd be surprised what you can talk your way into if you can convince the department you are serious and won't flake out.
posted by lastyearsfad at 1:33 PM on October 19, 2006
First of all, The University of Washington has an online Applied Mathematics Degree program. I don't know if applied math is what you're interested in.
If you're interested in doing a pure mathematics degree, I have a feeling just by the nature of the field you're going to have a difficult time finding an online degree program, especially one that is as comprehensive as what's available through MIT's Open Courseware.
One option that did occur to me is to enroll in a traditional university and try arrange to learn the same material that is taught in the classes as independent study courses. It's not really online, but it would remove the day/campus restrictions.
As far as setting something like that up, most large public universities offer some sections of their courses online, and I'd suggest taking as many online mathematics courses as they offer, and doing as well in them as you possibly can. If you can prove you're a solid student with a real interest in mathematics, then start talking to people in the department, explain you're a non-traditional student that still wants to earn a degree. You'd be surprised what you can talk your way into if you can convince the department you are serious and won't flake out.
posted by lastyearsfad at 1:33 PM on October 19, 2006
This thread is closed to new comments.
They offer all kinds of Math diplomas and degrees, and I think OU is open to everyone (as long as you pay, which can be quite a lot for a full degree).
posted by jayden at 8:06 AM on October 16, 2006