Life in Alabama

Living in this area of Alabama, there isn't any opportunity for advancement. I live in Haleyville, AL and the town is drying up before my eyes. The only operations in this area are fast food restaurants, in which some are going out of business, and manufacturers also going out of business or operating with a skeleton crew.
I feel that continuing my education is necessary now. I started school in 2001 to pursue a degree in Psychology. When advised that I would need at least a Masters degree or Doctorates Degree in order to make any money, I got disgusted with the time it was going to take to finish school plus a couple of personal issues that I was facing, I continued on with work.
Now, seeing how the economy is at this point, I’m seeking a degree in a field that I know will be needed, that’s growing, and that I’m interested in completing. I would like to get a Master’s in Criminal Justice or Forensic Science and investigate crime scenes. As sad as it is, we know there will always be crime and murder in our environment and I would like to help solve crimes and speak for the dead.
My goal in 5 years in to still be in school somewhere continuing my education toward a second Master’s degree or even a Doctorates and to be already working in the field of Forensic Science and hoping to put minds to ease that have suffered in losing a member of their family to crime.
Being laid off and having to draw my unemployment and seeing so many businesses closing the doors, I know that I will be needing financial aid to help pay for my college expenses. With all the utilities and gas prices soaring, it is hard to have money for such expenses as college.