It seems to me that lately there seems to be a tacit agreement that legitimate science degrees imply that somehow the person is LESS qualified. To me that's a little over-reaction, maybe. Achieving an academic degree DOES in fact, say that the person at least was exposed to some information, and most likely learned some things about attempting to be unbiased in research, and has also thought about ethics. There are many _ethical_ issues which one is forced to face head-on, and make tough decisions about, and figure out one's values, which many people not in the sciences don't even know about, or don't ever have to face. In my opinion an academic degree also says something about a person's stick-to-it-iveness when it comes to the gruelingly awful demands of achieving an academic degree. It takes INCREDIBLE grit and determination to put in the years of solitary grinding away, to go deeply into debt, and put in endless hours of unpaid research, the sheer exhaustion, the unjust politics, and all that is required to get that degree. I've personally known a lifetime of scientists, internationally. And I can say that almost always, when it comes to scientists, all those years of "sacrifice" in school are viewed as COMPLETELY worth it, if it allows one to continue to be able to follow one's heart, and PASSION, of wondering and asking about the universe. Most of the scientists I know, when it comes down to it, are just like this. They are just, simply, AWESOMEIFIED by the awesomeness of life, and LOVE the opportunity to devote their lives to figuring out stuff about it. Furthermore, I know what it takes to get a degree, (just in terms of mental and physical effort), and I'm familiar with the type of personality that's brave enough and tough enough to take on the challenge of this kind of goal. I have a lot of respect for academic degrees. And in particular, I have a lot of respect for science degrees, and scientists in general. I like the principles that are valued in the world of science. Of course a degree doesn't NECESSARILY make a better person, but it does tell you something, at least, about a person's tenacity, and something about their knowledge. Education opens up whole WORLDS of knowledge, and thought, and exposure to all the great thinking of our ancestors. I guess I'm not sure why academic degrees are getting snubbed a little here lately. Seems a little short-sighted to me! :) Love Liza -- [log in to unmask] (Liza May)