It’s not a must have but it’s a filter that will be applied by HR, recruiters and the like.
The benefit of having the degree is an exposure to a wide range of ideas you might not otherwise get - everything from logic gates up to application software, and theoretical concepts which may have no immediate application but enhance you’re understanding of the field. I’ve never written a compiler, designed hardware, done any serious graphics work, or applied any theoretical computer science, since my undergrad courses in those subjects, but I’m a better developer for those experiences.
The benefit of having the degree is an exposure to a wide range of ideas you might not otherwise get - everything from logic gates up to application software, and theoretical concepts which may have no immediate application but enhance you’re understanding of the field. I’ve never written a compiler, designed hardware, done any serious graphics work, or applied any theoretical computer science, since my undergrad courses in those subjects, but I’m a better developer for those experiences.