[atmosx]

Do you need a CS degree to become a programmer? Of course not, I don't have one but I can program.

Does a CS degree make you a better programmer? Most certainly it will! It will give you an optimal background on which you can build solid knowledge. But you can't be 100% sure about that either.

Can you learn everything and more than a CS laureate by yourself? Of course you can, especially today that information (mostly about technology) flows free online. You can order books from amazon (Knuth anyone?), etc.

As my genius Math professor once said: "When you come to the oral exam session, I will ask you a question. In 99% of cases, the answer is: it depends..."