Chase, go out and buy a copy of Digital Photography for Dummies. It is one of the best books around on the subject and explains just about everything you would ever want to know, as a beginner, about digital photography, including thoughts on the choice of a camera.

As far as going to school, it probably wouldn't hurt if you can find a short, introductory course at one of your local colleges. :idea:

HTH.

Cheers,

WesternGuy