Can you learn computer science from a school?

This is clearly flamebait, so kill this thread if you aren't
interested. I'm interested in what the consensus is.

Some of the people in this group have, or are pursuing, advanced
degrees in computer science. Some have bachelor's degrees. Some have
degrees in related fields. Some have degrees in completely unrelated
fields. Some have dropped out before getting a degree. Some are
autodidacts.

Is there a correlation between studying computer science and knowing
about computers? Do people gain anything by pursuing an advanced
degree in computer science, or would they be as well served by saving
the money, buying a PC, and teaching themselves? There is a romantic
ideal of the untutored hacker that program circles around MIT grad
students. Is that absurd or commonplace?

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Can you learn computer science from a school?
    ... I'm interested in what the consensus is. ... Some of the people in this group have, or are pursuing, advanced ... degrees in related fields. ... Is there a correlation between studying computer science and knowing ...
    (comp.lang.lisp)
  • Re: Can you learn computer science from a school?
    ... Some of the people in this group have, or are pursuing, advanced ... Is there a correlation between studying computer science and knowing ... "Algebra is the metaphysics of arithmetic." ... "As long as algebra is taught in school, ...
    (comp.lang.lisp)
  • Re: Can you learn computer science from a school?
    ... Some of the people in this group have, or are pursuing, advanced ... Is there a correlation between studying computer science and knowing ... As few people as possible between the productive spirits and the ...
    (comp.lang.lisp)
  • Re: Can you learn computer science from a school?
    ... Some of the people in this group have, or are pursuing, advanced ... Is there a correlation between studying computer science and knowing ... Basic & Pascal at high school I'm self-thought programmer. ... with CS gratuates I'm better than many of them in programming but ...
    (comp.lang.lisp)
  • Re: Can you learn computer science from a school?
    ... Some of the people in this group have, or are pursuing, advanced ... Is there a correlation between studying computer science and knowing ... I have worked with MIT graduates before, as well as many other schools ... etc. Learning this will not make you a great programmer; ...
    (comp.lang.lisp)