[JoshKurtz]

I'm very new to programming and I would like to make it my career. I'm not looking to take the easy way out as far as education goes but I don't want to waste my time taking classes that don't matter. There's a community college where I live that offers a component programming associates degree. This would be very convenient location-wise as well as financially since money is an issue. Here's some info on it: http://www.southwest.tn.edu/programs...rogramming.htm
Does this seem like something worthwhile or should I go for a BS in computer science?
Thanks for your time.

[Kristoff]

IMHO, you should get a BS in CS.

That's not to say there aren't any successful and outstanding programmers out there with no formal education in CS--but I think if you are that serious about it, you'll more likely have more career options with a BS in CS/EE/CE/CSE.