Forums » Smalltalk » Best College

I'm wanting to eventually go back to school. I have an idea what I want to do. Something in the forensics field. Not entirely sure if I want to be a CSI, over working in a lab.

Some of the "positions" I found that sounded most interesting to me were along the lines of:

Forensic Data Analyst
Forensic Accountant
Forensice Audio/video tech
Multi-media exploitation specialist
Cybercrime Detective

Now..I'm quite personally not asking people for their opinions or advice on other avenues on what I should consider, I'm really not, nor am I asking anyone what they want to go to school for and how they are suggesting I try that. Please keep that in mind.

My issues is, looking into college stuff is supremely overwhelming. I've looked into different places for colleges that offer things in the base courses of criminal justice at the very least. What I am finding is disappointing.

Truth is, I want to GO to college. I mean, physically. Most everything I find is ONLINE and it drives me insane. I know that sounds contradictory, considering most of what I expressed interest in involves working on a computer. However, I want the experience of going back to school in a physical capacity (I'm not seeking advice/opinions on how much more "expensive" that is, so please don't...)

This is a personal preference. I really want the physical aspect of school again. A classroom, other students surrounding me, a teacher/professor/whatever standing at the front. Having all my books and writing utensils and notebooks and folders in a backpack sitting next to me or piled neatly on my desk/table/whatever..the space infront of me. That's what I want.

Again, I'm finding most things offer online courses and..GUH..no! Not wanting that!

I am looking for things withing the United States only. Excluding Hawaii, Alaska, or any other state/province/whatever that's not actually, you know, attached to the gigantic landmass of the US of A. Alaska is connected to Canada..so..and I'm not a fan of that much cold

ANYWAY. I'm more or less looking for anyone that would be willing to somewhat help me find colleges (not really looking for community colleges, but if they are really good and accredited, I'll consider) that offer in class courses over just online for the specific field. Forensics/criminology/criminalistics/criminal justice/whatever they want to call it.
I know most big Universities you have to usually have some college experience first. Something like a 2 year degree and then you can pursue further and deeper study for 4 years or more or such.

Again, looking for schools that offer hands on/in class experience not solely online. Looking for good schools, in decent locations, anywhere in the majority of the United States. I do prefer bigger cities. I'm leaning more toward the Western side of the states over eastern (California specifically) but, again, will consider the entire US of A.
Actually...while Minnesota/Wisconsin/Ohio/Maine and places like that aren't completely off my radar...Places where it doesn't snow 9 months out of the year would be strongly preferred..thanks!

Please do not ask my physical location/state..I don't care how much "easier" this would make my search. I've already done the research for my state. I already have idea's for here if I stay. I'm seeking outside options just because I want to explore the idea's/possibilities of such! Thank you! Oh, and no, I don't have any experience or education over a High School Diploma, so I'm really starting from scratch. That's why I get I might have to go to a community college first.