Expert: Ralph Salier - 10/31/2008

Question
Mr. Salier,

I'm currently enlisted in the US Air Force in the field of intelligence. I've completed roughly 3 years of undergraduate school in toward field of Geospatial Science, however since I am in the military is has been here and there.

What I'm trying to figure out is what steps I should take, in working towards not just and undergraduate degree (I assume in anthropology) but also towards an eventual masters in the field. While I prefer in-class instruction, being in the military almost eventually turns toward online classes. As far as the undergraduate programs go, are there any college that offer a plethora of online classes? Do you recommend any college that may perhaps be located in the Hampton Roads/Norfolk region of Virginia? I know Old Dominion University has an undergrad in Anthropology, however they have it as a sub category of sociology, is that normal or should I steer clear of that?

I realize my circumstances and questions are somewhat out of the ordinary and rather complicated but any help would be appreciated.

Answer
Hi Matt,

I used to live in Newport News.  With a background in Geospatial have you considered getting a degree in the field and then working in Oil and Gas?  There are lots of jobs for folks in this form of geology.  As for anthro, what do you want to do with it?  The Univeristy of Virginia at Richmond has a program as does the college of William and Mary also has a program in both anthro and archaeology.  They also both have online programs.