If i was looking to take classes for astro-physics

Question

i have a full time job now. i want to take classes for astro-physics. would i be better off taking classes at a college or doing an on line program? i have also toyed with the idea of joining a branch of the military as well, like the air force or navy. i am not sure about the military thing as i am already 33. any suggestions\sources. i live in OH. thanks all

Answer 1

Why don't you just read up on theoretical physics literature? Why take classes at all?

Answer 2

Online might be tough. I have only found a coouple that offer graduate programs in astronomy but maybe you will have more luck finding others. There is a certain background that it might be a good idea to have before delving too deep into astrophysics. Do you have math skills? What sort of physics background do you have? I mean do you know some calculus, a little bit about nuclear physics, those sorts of things.

swinburne has a graduate program, don't know about undergraduate.

james cook also is graduate, don't know about undergraduate

I think at 33 I would avoid the military unless you have a college degree in which case you could join but do so only if they make you an officer. As I have come to realize the military can be a good thing since you can retire after 20 years at half pay. Or 30 for full pay if I remember correctly. I have seen a number of people do this in the Pentagon and some are just in their early forties. But this option is of course best if you start when you are 20. At 33 you could retire at 53 and then move into a career with a defense contractor and probably do OK for yourself.