I did a double major, math and physics. I was basically self-taught with respect to computers (one CS class on my transcript). I got hired as a programmer by a lady with a Master's in math, who was largely self-taught with respect to computers. That first hire is all it takes - after that, I had experience.
I graduated in 1984, though, so this may not be very applicable to the current situation...
I graduated in 1984, though, so this may not be very applicable to the current situation...