David,

By choice, I've stayed out of this thread. However, after reading a number of the opinions expressed here, I can no longer do so. Obviously, a number of us have rather strong opinions. It is not my intention to denigrate anyone's who disagree with mine.

I believe that, these days, a background in Computer Science is almost a necessity. Why? Because regardless of how many books you've read, or seminars you've attended without the fundamentals taught there, you're quite likely to make some fundamental mistakes that are not corectable short of a total re-write.

Certain principles aren't taught in the seminars or the FoxPro books. That's not their purpose. They assume that you already know them.

If I had my choice between someone with an unrelated degree and someone with a background in CS to hire, but without a degree. I'd chose the latter.