online chemistry degree

[clep3705]

Someone asked me about getting an online degree in chemistry. He took a lot of chemistry at Texas A&M and was about 9 hours short of a chemistry degree. He's also an attorney and needs a science degree to become a patent attorney.

[sanantone]

Chemistry - Charter Oak State College
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering | Online & Distance Education

Oregon State University offers chemistry courses online, but not the whole degree. Another option would be to get a more general science degree like the natural science degrees at Excelsior and TESC. Technically, you don't need a science degree, but it makes it easier to land jobs. USPTO has alternative options for meeting the education requirement.
http://www.uspto.gov/ip/boards/oed/exam/OED_GRB.pdf

[cookderosa]

Does he need a science degree specifically in chemistry? The easiest way to earn a science degree online would be graduate study instead of undergraduate, which requires all the labs, etc. A Master of Science in X would be my suggestion. There are many that are non lab. And, if it's not MS that is the relevant portion, rather it's subject, then perhaps a master of liberal arts in a science would work. If that were my goal, I'd be enrolled in one of the many science options at Harvard. It's not even that expensive (though would require some commute/on location visits to the school but they could be done in January sessions or summer sessions) Partial Online Degree Programs & Premed Programs | Harvard Extension

[Yanji]

Wouldn't the most obvious option at that point be to either see if Texas A&M offer the 9 credits he needs to complete his degree requirements online or see if he can take those courses elsewhere (online or local B&M) to transfer in?

[bricabrac]

Wouldn't the most obvious option at that point be to either see if Texas A&M offer the 9 credits he needs to complete his degree requirements online or see if he can take those courses elsewhere (online or local B&M) to transfer in?

I had the exact same thought, it's only nine credits. He could speak to the Dean and arrange Independent Study courses; if possible, they would just assign him a mentor. Any lab work, if neccessary, could be arranged during specific hours (during evening classes/saturdays). I'm sure special circumstances / accommodations for certain students have been made before. I would imagine it happens at most large institutions, be it for health, life changes or business reasons.