Yep... the only time I've ever really seen folks care about a degree in IT is when they're pushing someone into management... and even then it's most definitely not a pre-req.
I"m not finishing my master's because i feel it's necessary for my career progression, that's for sure.
As much as I bitch about the IT industry, it REALLY is a place where you make your own way. People rise in this field based entirely on their work ethic and merit.
For instance.
I did some light IT work in high school. Went into the Army as an infantryman but still played around with computers. Then I got out, and decided to go to college... which was mostly me making middlin' grades and partying a lot because I was an idiot. Then I got called back to Iraq.
Iraq mob 2005-2007. During IRAQ, finished almost all of my degree. Then about two years on a helpdesk. First REAL full time IT job. This was in 2007ish
2009, army mobilization, had just finished my B.S. Another year of non-IT experience.
2010-, help desk. Begged for more responsibility because I was learning extremely fast, particularly virtualization/storage stuff. Started M.S. because I wanted to get more into the PM and soft side of things
2011-2013 - Started as a mid tier server/storage/virt. guy. Had to learn fast because the project moved fast. Sucked up knowledge like a *expletive deleted*ing vacuum. After the "lead" quit and they searched for a replacement for 6 months, I was made the lead and I hired some folks under me. THIS was the very FIRST time that the IT world cared about my college or my military leadership experience
End of 2013 to the present: Infrastructure engineer for the second largest cloud services provider in the world, above 6 figure income, frequently get brought in on major infrastructure and design changes, and about to get converted from a contractor to a full time employee, with 2-3 engineers under me in the coming months.
So, from help desk lackey helping Mrs So-and-So "find that icon thingy that brings up the internets", to here, in a bit under 8 years. And that includes three years of *expletive deleted*in off with the army, not doing IT work.