You can't develop statistical software or novel methods without math talent, you can (and it has been done) w/out a math degree.
Many early achievers in math have done solid work prior to being awarded a degree, some have never (for various reasons) earned a degree.
eg:
Mr Malcolm James Hood was a remarkable man. He was a much-loved husband, father and brother, a loyal friend and a respected UWA lecturer. He was an eminent academic, a champion of applied mathematics, a skilled woodworker, a lover of classical music, an avid reader and a lively raconteur, to name just a few of his pursuits and passions.
Born with both great intelligence and a capacity for hard work, Malcolm forged a diverse career, beginning in aerodynamic research and moving into the emerging field of computing, before finally transitioning into lecturing and teaching.
Less well known than Clifford Cocks, locally known for the Hood & Storer Mathematical and statistical tables [1], contributed to S (precursor to R) [2], and known for post war off book work in defense R&D on bomb guidance and statistics (but not by many).
No degree, I don't know the full story, something to do with going straight into classified work and amassing an impressive body of work that was never publicly recognised .. none the less he spent the later part of his career in a math department well regarded by folk with Doctorates.
Many early achievers in math have done solid work prior to being awarded a degree, some have never (for various reasons) earned a degree.
eg:
~ https://www.perthmoderniansociety.org.au/wp-content/uploads/...Less well known than Clifford Cocks, locally known for the Hood & Storer Mathematical and statistical tables [1], contributed to S (precursor to R) [2], and known for post war off book work in defense R&D on bomb guidance and statistics (but not by many).
No degree, I don't know the full story, something to do with going straight into classified work and amassing an impressive body of work that was never publicly recognised .. none the less he spent the later part of his career in a math department well regarded by folk with Doctorates.
[1] https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/2807622
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S_(programming_language)