Dear Squirrel, Thank you for the advice. It is great to hear from someone who has worked in the field. As of right now, my intensions are to become an engineering technician. From what I understand, engineers and technologist are the ones who come up with a design while the technicians carry it out. As an engineering technician working in design I would expect to be able to redraw a product that had been modified, working under the supervision of a technologist or engineer. Or test a new component using test equipment. I would also expect to do more hands-on work than that of engineers. I chose to pursue a degree in this career field because I am an aircraft mechanic and wanted to do something related without working around the clock and in all types of weather conditions.
jj I like these programs from Old Dominion University. These can be done by distance, or in class if you live in close procimity to some of the branches. General Engineering Technology with a number of concentrations: http://www.dl.odu.edu/programs/ugmajors/index.html These popular programs are part of Navy College (many colleges and Univ's are), so can be done while deployed. Did you have military service or an A & P license? You may get some credit for that training. Also, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University might be of interest to you. A BS in Technical Management, Aircraft Maintenance Management, or Professional Aeronautics might fit your interests. And If you have a A&P, that is worth 36 credit hours. See http://www.erau.edu Good luck
