Further Education - Where to begin?

[ABV]

I'm seriously considering going back to school to get my bachelors degree. Currently I have an Associates degree that has worked out very well for me, but I'm ready to take the next step careerwise, and to do that, I feel that a bachelors degree would be to my advantage.

As a background, I'm currently a Mechanical Designer and I have an Associates of Applied Science in Engineering and CAD Technology. I'm 29 years old and have been out of school for almost nine years.

I'm not 100% sure on what kind of degree I want, but a big part of me wants to try for Mechanical Engineering. But at the same time, there are some little nagging parts of me that want to try either Marketing or Finance. A marketing degree with my design/engineering background could be a golden ticket, but I think to really make it pay off I would need more than a Bachelors, which is a gigantic commitment.

Anyway, what I'm looking for right now is a place to get started. Most likely I would want to start school in the fall, so I have a little time to work with. Does anyone know of any resources to look for schools in the twin cities area that offer some of these programs (it's very unlikely that I would move for this.)

Does anyone know of some kind of career counciling services that could help me understand the options that I would have with each degree? Does anyone here have any experience with these degrees or work in any of these fields? Has anyone here gone back to school like this? Do you have any war stories? Success stories?

I guess what I'm really looking for right now are websites, books, people to talk to, etc. to get me started down the path. Thanks for the help.

-Mark

[Speedfreak]

I would make an appointment with an adviser at the U of M or any other 4 year college in the area. They can walk you through all of the questions you have posted. First step, call the college of your choice, and ask for an appointment. After that, I think you will know what to do.

[Super Bleeder!!]

Being that you are over 25 and on your own financially you are more likely to be granted free money from the government if you apply to FAFSA for some gooberment money.

I am a few tech electives and a senior design class away from a BS in Mech Eng and let me tell you it has been a painnnnnn. What classes did you take to get your 2 year? List them and i can tell you what else you would need to take to get the 4 year.

[AJ]

I start up again this Monday. Definatly take your time and sit down with someone from your top school choice. Maybe your top two, just to get a good view. I ended up sitting with two Deans upon getting back into school after 7 years out and they seemed to be more interested in the transition that also involved current career path instead of just getting me into a program.

FAFSA stuff is pretty easy to take care of, and every school will have lots of people to help out.

Some people like online classes, some don't. I like them for the basics and they have worked out perfectly for me thus far, but now I am getting into some more Finance (my Major) classes that I am going to prefer some more hands on class room time with.

DeVry has worked well since they have two actual campus locations (France & 494 and 169 & 394) and they have almost every offered online and in the quick 8 week sessions. Again, you need to make yoruself get everything out of class this way, otherwise it is a waste.

If you want to look at some Finance stuff let me know, I'll bring over some books and you can take a look at my course list.

[JET]

If you do go with the ME it will take more than 2 years. That course is very specialized, even the generals. Marketing is going to be a lot easier, with finance in the middle. Cassie and I have both been very happy with Metropolitan State University, cheap, made for people returning to school, so they understand you are working and they offer a ton of online classes. ME is going to narrow down your choices a lot, probably U of M.

All of the colleges have great websites, just check out the new students sections. The private schools are big money. There are only a few state funded schools in the twin cities, U of M and Metro being the main ones.