Do I need a degree in Software Development in order to be a Developer?

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Hello. College is starting in a few weeks and I'm enrolled in Computer Information Systems. I'm currently going to a Community College but I'm transferring to a four year college. The course I'm in deals with several programming concepts. Visual Basics, .Net, some HTML, Java Script, SQL C++, etc., etc.

I think I really want to learn Software Development. The only thing is Math isn't my best subject. From my research, there's a lot of complex mathematics in it. I'm willing to switch over and conquer it. If this is really what I want to do, I'll do it and won't let anything stop me. Yes, I would have to take fundamental courses before I take the real one, but I'd do it so I could succeed.

So my question is: Do I need to have a degree in Software Development in order to develop software? As I said, Computer Information Systems covers a lot of the same things that an S.D. does. From my understanding, it's not ALL Math, but a lot of it is. I'm curious if I'd be able to get away with a degree in C.I.S. and do the same things as a Developer. I know all companies are different, but what do most require?

The last thing is, I'm worried about how I'm going to find my first job when I'm right out of college. A lot of the jobs I saw on Dice and Indeed require several years of experience. How does a newbie get a job in the field?

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Any random or irrelevant answers will be deleted. Thanks in advance!

[Mikael P]

You do not need degree to be a developer. That's silly. There are plenty of people who teach themselves how to do any kinds of skills all the time, especially with the internet at your disposal.

As for the job. Don't worry about it. The best way to land a job is to be confident in yourself, talk properly during interviews, dress nicely, and show the interviewer what sets you apart from all other candidates. Cover letter + resume + thank you letter are very important.

On a final note, sign up to LinkedIn. http://www.linkedin.com/

It's essentially the Facebook of professionals. Grow your network on this site and in the future I'm sure you'll easily find a job. The easiest way is through people you meet, so make sure you work on your communications skills!

Good luck with college.

[James]

Any expectations of working for someone in development will require a degree. You cannot exel in tis area without it anyway. If math os your only weakness, you can get help in improving your skills. There are very few exceptions amd if you are weak in math, you do not qualify as one.