[collyw]

Depends on the course.

I studied a bachelors in molecular biology, took a few years out (realised I didn't like the subject much) and studied a one years masters in IT a few years later. It was taught by the Computer Science department (Glasgow University in Scotland), but the focus was on writing good quality software - readable, maintainable, usable code.

There was an optional data structures and algorithms course which I assume is more geared towards traditional comp science. I took it, but in ten years of work, I rarely use this stuff (though its good to have a background so you know which library is a better choice).

One thing they didn't teach us was networkinq, which I am completely self taught. I can get stuff working, but I think having a formal education in things (like I do in OOP) can teach you where to focus to get things done in a professional manner.