I'm not sure if I am the best person to be answering this, as I am new to the business and still learning everyday. It is tough to tell you what path to take as I don't know where you want to go with your Td'ing (i.e. news, sports, entertainment) Also I am going to assume that you have some experience in television and understand the basics of TV production. A degree isn't necessary to learn how to TD, but understanding electronics and signal flow is key. I would suggest maybe taking some local IT classes or electronics if you don't want the full blown 4 year degree. It will give you at least a better understanding of networks, protocols, and signal flow. This may be to much of an engineering approach, I don't know. but it seems everyday we are ask to do less on the creative side while interfacing more and more stuff with the switcher. But the most important thing to do is to get some seat time on a switcher, so if you have access to a tv studio. Find a TD there who seems willing to take you under his wing and teach you the basics. And then come in when the control room isn't in use and play, that is the best way to learn. Watch TV, see how they are going to and from different looks and try to re-create it on your switcher. I hope this helps a little Hopefully someone here with more experience can elaborate. TDing is a great side of the business that can be rewarding both personally and financially, Good Luck! Michael Nice