i went to uni at 33 and did science then honours then PhD in molecular genetics and to be honest there is no way i could have done it with a full time job

i worked during semester breaks and tutored where possible but i had to sacrifice a lot

go for it

Most science classes are four credits, due to the lab. So don’t try to take as many classes, per term, as you might if you were taking classes without labs. Science classes will take extra time. That’s just the nature of the beast. Pace yourself. Don’t be afraid to take only one science course per term, if you need to (so what if it takes longer – you will at least get there.) If you can take two classes per term, don’t do two science classes, if you can avoid it. Instead, consider balancing one science class with one non-science, non-quantitative class per semester. Later on, when you’re on a roll with school, if you want to try two science at one time, you can. But at first, go gently.

Try to find a university, like the other person mentioned with Northeastern, that has both a strong and extensive adult education department and a decent science program. You need to make sure that your major classes will be offered during non-work hours. That’ll be key.

I can’t recommend specific schools because I don’t know where you are. Start with the large state universities in your region, as well as those private schools known for science, engineering and tech. They’d tend to have the widest offerings in their continuing ed departments in your field.

Please avoid Devry and places like that. Employers don’t tend to smile upon those degrees.

Many colleges have continuing ed type programs which offers all the classes you need at night or on the weekend. I took night classes at Northeastern in a science disiplince not too long ago. Everything I needed was offered after 6 pm or on saturdays. Including all the necessary labs.

Look at the website of the college you are intersted and see what they have to offer at night.

What you are asking IS possible. You need to understand that in computer science you always need to upgrade your skills. The pace of innovation far exceeds the pace of your knowledge. However, if you are smart enough, you can learn on your job without formal education. So all you need to do is be quite passionate about software engineering. If you are not, then you would become ‘obsolete’ in a decade or so. My 2 cents. (Congrats on your very admirable desire to pursue your real passion).