I'm about to reach a crossroads in my life where I have a few options (which is nice), and have to come to a decision. Seeing as I respect the opinions of most members in our community, I'd like to run these "options" by you all and see what you would do, or maybe you can give a bit of information on how you've gotten to where you are.

I'm very interested in two different career paths. First, the option I've been "training" for, is Systems/Network Administration. I enjoy working with different systems and troubleshooting problems, and I've had two internships that dealt directly with this profession. Second, is Info. Security. This is a more recent interest, and unfortunately at the moment I do not have any training, professional or otherwise, in this field. I see it as something that will be increasingly necessary in the future, and would certainly keep me interested for a long time.

In May I'll graduate with an A.S. in Computer Info Sys. with a concentration in Networking. With the demand for Sys/Network Admin's or at least Help Desk Tech's, I'm sure I'll be able to get a start somewhere in the field. Information Security, as far as I can tell, would need a BS in CS or something similar, especially since I don't have any programming knowledge atm. I applied to a few different schools, got into some and am waiting on the response from others, and after all the b.s. here is my real question:

"Do you feel a B.S. in CS (or other technical degree) is necessary for the IT field? If so please elaborate a bit as to why..."

I've gotten mixed opinions on this, and with the increased cost of college I'm wondering if it'd be more beneficial to begin working and build my career now (with three internships under my belt), or to continue school - possibly add another internship - and get a higher degree before jumping into the field.

Also, where are you (if you're in the field), and what have you done to get there?

If you read that entire thing, consider me impressed ;-). Thanks for any advice.