What type of camera is best for me?

I'm starting on the photography college major track, and i want to get off on right foot. I want to fallow the avenue of model photography though, not still lifes, scenery, etc. I had a photo shoot with two models a while ago and borrowed my aunts 1,500$ SLR camera. I was instantly spoiled and now that im starting my photography cles this semester and need to buy a digital camera im torn between two things. One: Do i get an SLR or a point and shoot style camera. Two: Do i get a Nikon or a Canon (i know there are other brands, but unless you have a strong argument for another brand im sticking with these two ^_^). I don't know if either of these two things are better for model photography, so please bestow you camera knowledge apon me! XD thank you very much!