While distance learning science programs are
uncommon because of the hands-on lab work usually required, some schools
do offer online bachelor's degrees in psychology and online master's
degrees in biology and chemistry. Graduates with bachelor's degrees are
generally qualified for entry-level jobs and continued academic study,
while those with master's degrees may obtain mid-level jobs in teaching
and research assistance.
Overview of an Online Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Students working toward a Bachelor of Science in Psychology are introduced to the theories behind why people behave the way they do. Normal and abnormal behavior is studied, from causes to manifestations to applicable treatment options. Students gain research skills and develop the ability to carry out original psychology research. Coursework includes studies of psychology as they apply to children, adults and the elderly.Program Information and Requirements
Most online bachelor's degree programs in psychology take four years of full-time study to complete. Students typically access lectures, course materials and exams online and very occasionally by mail. Many programs also offer students the opportunity to interact with other learners through discussion and message boards and chat sessions. In distance learning programs where internships are required, students actively make arrangements for placement at locations near their residences. Common locations for internships include clinical treatment settings or mental health agencies.Distance learning programs with online course delivery require that students have a computer with a reliable, high-speed Internet connection. Students should be computer literate and comfortable using interactive tools like discussion boards, e-mail and chat.
Common Psychology Courses
A selection of core courses that include developmental and abnormal psychology is generally required. Students may also choose electives according to their career goals in areas such as human services, industrial-organizational services or lab research.Introductory Child Psychology Course
Child psychology focuses on the normal cognitive, social and behavioral development of youth. Students are introduced to the major theories of child development, and they learn to identify important developmental milestones.Psychology Research Course
This class allows students to practice planning and implementing psychology research projects. They learn about ethical standards and research design options that are appropriate to certain hypotheses. They also practice evaluating results and writing up their findings for peer review.Overview of Social Psychology Course
This study of how individuals act in social settings includes normal and abnormal behavior. Social psychology explores how an individual interacts with another person one-on-one as well as examining how that individual interacts with the group and within the group.Career Information for Graduates
A Bachelor of Science in Psychology qualifies graduates for entry-level support positions in psychology, business or sales as well as preparing them for continued academic study at the graduate level. Competition is likely to be stiff, since the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts slow growth in jobs between 2008 and 2018 for bachelor's degree holders seeking psychology-related careers (www.bls.gov).Continuing Education Information
Graduates from undergraduate distance learning psychology programs are qualified for master's degree study in psychology to prepare for careers in industrial-organizational psychology or in assisting licensed psychologists. The BLS reported that graduates of master's degree programs in psychology will be subject to fierce competition for jobs in the field between 2008 and 2018.Overview of an Online Master of Science in Biology
Building upon the knowledge and skills gained through an undergraduate biology program, students enrolled in a distance-learning Master of Science in Biology program continue with advanced study of plant, animal and human life. Most programs balance courses in the examination of cellular structure and biological processes with those in broad concepts like ecology, evolution and animal behavior.Program Information and Requirements
Students generally take two years of full-time study to complete an online master's degree in biology. Some schools require brief residencies for exams, lab sessions or capstone experiences. Electronic course management systems are a common way for students to access learning materials and lectures, and discussion boards and chat sessions are used for student interaction.In order to participate in distance learning, students need to have a reliable computer and regular access to a high-speed Internet connection. Some specialized software may be required to access certain course materials.
Common Biology Courses
Students typically have the option of completing a thesis or non-thesis degree program. Non-thesis tracks will typically require more courses or lab work than will thesis-based programs. A small selection of core courses is required; however, students generally choose from a plethora of electives to satisfy their academic goals.Cell Biology Course
Course materials offer an advanced look at cell structure and function. Lessons include individual parts of the cell and the cell as a whole. Both plant and animal cells are studied.Ecology Course
Students explore the complex web of relationships among plants and animals in a given location. Causes and effects of increasing and decreasing biodiversity are also discussed.Theory of Evolution Course
The theory of evolution, including natural selection, is the focus of this class. Students learn about evolution as it applies to plants, animals and humans. Coursework may also include studies on genetics and on the patterns of evolution.Career Information for Graduates
In many cases, the online master's degree in biology is intended for working educators; however, graduates may also work for hospitals or pharmaceutical companies in research or development capacities. Teachers with this level of education typically work with high school students and younger, and the BLS reports that these individuals earned between $31,000 and $81,000 annually, based on the bureau's 2008 data.Overview of an Online Master of Science in Chemistry
Students in online graduate programs in chemistry explore the properties and reactions of chemicals and compounds used in biochemistry, neurochemistry, medicinal chemistry and industrial chemistry. Research and development of chemistry-based solutions is a common emphasis in graduate-level chemistry programs. Some schools offer their distance learning programs in chemistry in close cooperation with businesses to provide hands-on lab work and research experience.Program Information and Requirements
While students enrolled in a distance learning master's degree program in chemistry can complete it in about two years, part-time students complete it in about 3-4 years. Some programs require short periods of time on-campus for academic sessions or exams. Students may have the option of choosing a thesis track or non-thesis track for their studies. Course delivery systems include streaming Web videos, podcasts, video conferences, discussion boards and e-mail.In addition to a computer and reliable Internet access, students should have video and sound cards installed in order to view online lectures. Some programs may require a Web camera for interactive learning experiences.
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