tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844764895007564022.post2866872538110985115..comments2022-12-20T17:44:22.058-08:00Comments on Astro Maven: Obtaining a Master of Astronomy Degree in Astrophysics OnlineRick Boozerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417024297269996730noreply@blogger.comBlogger107125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844764895007564022.post-77977005201009219712015-08-23T10:54:36.125-07:002015-08-23T10:54:36.125-07:00Sorry, I must have missed it. When did you send i...Sorry, I must have missed it. When did you send it? I try to answer all who contact me via facebook or any other medium. To be honest, I don't check my facebook messages as often as I should. This blog is probably the best way to ask a question of me.Rick Boozerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08417024297269996730noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844764895007564022.post-41592605620885625552015-08-22T11:54:05.621-07:002015-08-22T11:54:05.621-07:00hello Rick, I sent you a message on facebook, do y...hello Rick, I sent you a message on facebook, do you prefer to send my questions to this blog?<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844764895007564022.post-90029792366303533512015-07-09T15:57:51.882-07:002015-07-09T15:57:51.882-07:00Juan, I am saying that the Swinburne Masters (as I...Juan, I am saying that the Swinburne Masters (as I mentioned in the article) is not adequate if you wish to get a PhD ANYPLACE. Swinburne says that themselves. If you want a Masters degree that will be recognized as a path to a PhD, you will need to go for the Master of Science in astronomy at USQ. I hope this helps. It is all I know to tell you.<br />Rick B.Rick Boozerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08417024297269996730noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844764895007564022.post-61627529040345546572015-07-09T13:35:04.878-07:002015-07-09T13:35:04.878-07:00Thanks for the info. I guess I would like to be ab...Thanks for the info. I guess I would like to be able to pursue a PhD ultimately at a regular brick and mortar school, but would like to start with the Swinburne degree online first. Do you think that on-campus PhD programs would recognize the Swinburne degree and allow me to apply and be accepted into a PhD in Astronomy program?<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Juan <br />planethunterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04974860313023095636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844764895007564022.post-18222961205347119952015-07-07T11:25:50.282-07:002015-07-07T11:25:50.282-07:00Hi Juan,
As I indicated in the article, if you wh...Hi Juan,<br /><br />As I indicated in the article, if you what you are ultimately after is a PhD, then the Swinburne online program is not the way to go. Your only viable option online now is University of Southern Queensland. However, the Swinburne degree would probably allow you to get a community college teaching job.<br /><br />Hope this helps.<br /><br />Rick B.Rick Boozerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08417024297269996730noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844764895007564022.post-37200425979169830772015-07-06T22:03:44.380-07:002015-07-06T22:03:44.380-07:00Hi Rick, excellent article. A couple questions: I ...Hi Rick, excellent article. A couple questions: I live in Los Angeles and have a family and a mortgage in addition to a full time job as a systems analyst, but since I was a child I have always been drawn to the stars. Due to various life circumstances, I did not study physics or astronomy academically (I did receive a B.S. in mathematics and have an MBA). If I was to go for the MoA degree at Swinburne, do you think it would allow me to apply for a PhD program in the states or in Europe? Would the MoA allow me to apply and obtain community college teaching jobs in Astronomy here in the states?<br /><br />Thanks again!<br /><br />Juanplanethunterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04974860313023095636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844764895007564022.post-20028106729131699412015-04-13T05:11:54.395-07:002015-04-13T05:11:54.395-07:00Thanks for your reply!Thanks for your reply!MKMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11626648612708880861noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844764895007564022.post-59204321067121896142015-04-13T05:05:29.091-07:002015-04-13T05:05:29.091-07:00Hi,
In answer to your questions.
"Did it had...Hi,<br />In answer to your questions.<br /><br />"Did it had any effect on the reputation of the program?"<br />Not that I know of.<br /><br />"Would USQ provide similar research opportunities as JCU? I mean, whether the kind of support and teaching provided by USQ is comparable to that of JCU when the department was there."<br />Yes.<br /><br />Can't address your comment about ranking because I don't know about it.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />Rick B.<br /><br />Rick Boozerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08417024297269996730noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844764895007564022.post-67506409861887614082015-04-12T22:58:06.491-07:002015-04-12T22:58:06.491-07:00Hello sir,
I really appreciate your effort to ear...Hello sir,<br /><br />I really appreciate your effort to earn that degree. As you said in the beginning of your story, "the Centre of Astronomy has moved from James Cook University to the University of Southern Queensland". Did it had any effect on the reputation of the program? I mean, whether the kind of support and teaching provided by USQ is comparable to that of JCU when the department was there. Would USQ provide similar research opportunities as JCU?<br />I can't see either of them at http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2014-15/world-ranking/region/oceania whereas Swinburne made it in the list between 351-400. Moreover, it's not a subject wise ranking.MKMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11626648612708880861noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844764895007564022.post-1469602687709141122015-02-24T15:41:47.843-08:002015-02-24T15:41:47.843-08:00Hi Rick,
I've just came across your blog after...Hi Rick,<br />I've just came across your blog after researching Swinburne and I found it excellent and very informative. I've only started an astronomy degree (part time) but would love to progress to a MSc and you've given me a lot to think about.Krishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12959620047984615600noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844764895007564022.post-28444613411101843452015-02-06T06:30:00.914-08:002015-02-06T06:30:00.914-08:00Thanks, YH. Hang in there.Thanks, YH. Hang in there.Rick Boozerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08417024297269996730noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844764895007564022.post-59797704675766245392015-02-06T06:15:46.650-08:002015-02-06T06:15:46.650-08:00Dear Rick,
Just to say that is an inspiring story....Dear Rick,<br />Just to say that is an inspiring story. What you have done is so great! I am myself starting a new degree in Physics with the aim of an MA in Astrophysics some time in the future.<br />Thanks again for sharing your wonderful story,<br />Best,<br />YHYHnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844764895007564022.post-31642622923005059742014-10-22T07:37:38.767-07:002014-10-22T07:37:38.767-07:00Hi Nebojsa,
No, it does not say that. It is the s...Hi Nebojsa,<br /><br />No, it does not say that. It is the same diploma that someone who attended on the university campus would get. However, I suggest you greatly improve your English skills before you attempt it.<br /><br />Rick Boozer, <i>MoA in astrophysics</i><br />member of the <i>Space Development Steering Committee</i><br />author of <i>The Plundering of NASA: an Exposé</i><br />moderator of Astro Maven blogRick Boozerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08417024297269996730noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844764895007564022.post-86529857977189462712014-10-22T07:15:01.937-07:002014-10-22T07:15:01.937-07:00Hello,
My name is Nebojsa Sarac. I'm interesti...Hello,<br />My name is Nebojsa Sarac. I'm interesting does it write on your diploma MoA that you recive it online. Is it "says" it 's online?<br /><br />Regards,<br />Nebojsa Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844764895007564022.post-82351481110250972482014-09-12T06:28:24.772-07:002014-09-12T06:28:24.772-07:00Hi,
You are most welcome. You are the kind of pe...Hi,<br /><br />You are most welcome. You are the kind of person I wrote the article for. I wish you well on your new academic journey.<br /><br />Keep in touch. Feel free to friend me on Facebook, if you would like.<br /><br />Rick Boozer, <i>MoA in astrophysics</i><br />member of the <i>Space Development Steering Committee</i><br />author of <i>The Plundering of NASA: an Exposé</i><br />moderator of Astro Maven blogRick Boozerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08417024297269996730noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844764895007564022.post-76995529786397320772014-09-12T05:25:29.975-07:002014-09-12T05:25:29.975-07:00Hi, I have to say I was really moved by the journe...Hi, I have to say I was really moved by the journey that you have taken. I have always wanted to study astrophysics. My primary degree is in applied physics but I never studied further. After reading this I have gone straight to the website and applied for the program and now going through the process to see if I can accepted. Thanks for the post it really was a movtivational factor and a kick up the ass to get my dream going again.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844764895007564022.post-75848705243078377262014-05-11T06:44:36.181-07:002014-05-11T06:44:36.181-07:00Hi Gage,
The professional software tools were fre...Hi Gage,<br /><br />The professional software tools were free and easy to come by. Though they were sophisticated and took some time to learn to use.<br /><br />I will not lie to you. The distance and being in a separate timezone do make a difference. I got really good evaluations from my PhD advisor who is one of the top radio astrophysicists in the world, but I think I could have made a lot more progress had we physically been in each other's presence. Sometimes large amounts of time would be wasted by one of us not understanding what the other was talking about with something that could have been resolved in minutes in each other's presence.<br /><br />I felt it was taking years longer that it would have under normal circumstances and thus costing me more than it should (even though the tuition was much less than normal, it is still a lot of money). Another consideration was that I needed to make sure some health issues I have could be financially addressed. I also felt it was unfair to my wife to continue to use our funds for that purpose under such circumstances.<br /><br />Anyway the distance issue was not as much of a problem in the earlier masters program where everything was more thoroughly laid out and I could consult with fellow students.Rick Boozerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08417024297269996730noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844764895007564022.post-65917969185261777802014-05-10T19:11:44.951-07:002014-05-10T19:11:44.951-07:00Hi Rick,
Sorry to hear about that.
I just wonder ...Hi Rick,<br />Sorry to hear about that.<br /><br />I just wonder from your experience, even though you aren't doing it anymore, how you actually were able to do a PhD by distance? For example how were you able to do research and have access to the right tools, when you weren't actually personally present at a unibersity? ThanksAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11824590219547672562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844764895007564022.post-6345061603163961072014-05-08T16:24:57.084-07:002014-05-08T16:24:57.084-07:00Hi Gage,
The program transferred to the University...Hi Gage,<br />The program transferred to the University of Southern Queensland. Because of financial difficulties I am currently experiencing, I just withdrew from the program.<br />For details on how such a PhD program is conducted, I suggest you go to USQ's website. http://www.usq.edu.au/Rick Boozerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08417024297269996730noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844764895007564022.post-33918674939964031642014-05-08T15:49:05.110-07:002014-05-08T15:49:05.110-07:00Hi Rick,
So you are doing/did a PhD also at James...Hi Rick,<br /><br />So you are doing/did a PhD also at James Cook University? How were you able to do a PhD by distance?<br /><br />Regards,<br /><br />GageAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11824590219547672562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844764895007564022.post-60851656159471906642014-01-28T05:12:08.753-08:002014-01-28T05:12:08.753-08:00Hi Zac,
Don't know of any separate books on s...Hi Zac,<br /><br />Don't know of any separate books on spherical trig. It's usually in a book with other stuff.<br /><br />As for the remainder of your comment. All of your assumptions are correct.<br /><br />Good luck!<br /><br />RickRick Boozerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08417024297269996730noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844764895007564022.post-37285067585581265572014-01-27T13:07:34.752-08:002014-01-27T13:07:34.752-08:00Thanks. I think I have taken all of those in the ...Thanks. I think I have taken all of those in the past and understand them (just need to brush up on them), EXCEPT Spherical Trig. I have never taken anything like that (from what I remember). I need to break open the old Trig./ Cal books and get a refresher! do you have any suggestions for classes/ books to learn Spherical Trig?<br /><br />From what I read, alot of these harder Math concepts are necessary in the later / harder classes for the MoA degree ? Meaning: I can start the MoA and take one or two of the begining classes, while brushing up on my harder Math requirements at the same time, to get ready for the last few classes offered (the hardest ones - Math based)? Does that make sense of what I am asking ?<br /><br />Thanks again,<br />Zac<br />Zacnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844764895007564022.post-41911256708576444262014-01-10T08:08:20.878-08:002014-01-10T08:08:20.878-08:00Zac,
That list covers it. Would all of them be c...Zac,<br /><br />That list covers it. Would all of them be covered in Calculus 1 & 2? No, it is required that you have all the others first before you can understand Calculus.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />RickRick Boozerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08417024297269996730noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844764895007564022.post-37861109952398961042014-01-10T07:48:44.279-08:002014-01-10T07:48:44.279-08:00Rick
Thank you for that information! It is good ...Rick<br /><br />Thank you for that information! It is good to know that Swinburne is better "known" (as i didnt know that) in academic circles. I dont think (at this time), that I will plan on getting a PhD in Astronomy. If I do, it will be much later (when I "retire" in 20 years). During the interim, I hope to continue to teach at the community college level (and hopefully add Astronomy teaching within the next few years). As you have stated on the math requirements, I still need to brush up on my Calculus and other advanced Math, so I dont get "stuck" or fall behind as I pursue my Masters of Astronomy. Can you provide a short list of specific Math classes (starting at Calculus) that would be beneficial (or necessary) to have "under your belt" before staring a MoA? You had stated in your original first post, these topics need to be well understood: <br /><br />".....algebra, geometry, trigonometry, spherical trigonometry, vector mathematics, differential calculus and integral calculus". <br /><br />Would all of these topics be covered in Calculus 1 & 2 only or other advanced Math classes that I am unaware of?<br /><br />I just want to make sure that I cover "all the bases", before embarking on an MoA.<br /><br />Thanks again<br />Zac<br />Zacnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844764895007564022.post-66344530801822961222014-01-10T07:22:14.334-08:002014-01-10T07:22:14.334-08:00Hi Zac,
Of the two Swinburne is the most well know...Hi Zac,<br />Of the two Swinburne is the most well known. I suppose if your sole focus is teaching community college and you don't plan to do advanced scientific research, that may be the best course for you (if nothing else because I believe the tuition may be cheaper).<br />Cheers,<br />RickRick Boozerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08417024297269996730noreply@blogger.com