Hello,
Right now I am trying to learn 3D on my own, but would like to enroll in an online program to help out. I am currently working 50+ hours as a chef but would love to break into animation, modeling, and effect. There are no colledges around where I live to enroll in.

A bit pricey but very good, you can check out the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. I've attended in person and also via Online:

http://online.academyart.edu/ [online.academyart.edu]

http://www.animationmentor.com [animationmentor.com]

Thank you for your help. I have requested information from both.
Thanks again.

There's 3DBuzz as well.

You can also check out fxphd.com They tend to be more in the compositing photshop relm but do offer some classes in maya and 3dmax.

http://www.vizyacky.com/ [vizyacky.com] - covers all those topics you're interested in and is Houdini-based training.

fxphd.com and 3dbuzz.com already were mentioned.
other options are thegnomonworkshop.com, cmivfx.com, digitaltutors.com

The Gnomon DVD's are great too! I'm not sure if they have much for Houdini though, haven't checked in a while.

Is it possible to get into the field without a degree? It is really cheaper to purchase the dvd's, but there is no diploma. Would a portfollio do?

http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=2&t=372592 [forums.cgsociety.org]

i am waiting for reply from vizy acky.com.