I have met several young writers aged 10 to 17 who seem to be natural born writers. They all had a compulsion to write and enjoyed the creative experience. I have also observed several senior citizens who do not have degrees but have used their life experiences to create engaging stories that compel the reader to turn the next page. Overall though, I think getting a degree that is related to writing is extremely useful. The process teaches craft, discipline, and validation. I have BS in journalism from Boston University College of Communication. Most of the writing students in my classes had better academic and writing backgrounds than me. So I just had to work harder than them to excel. I graduated Summa Cum Laude. Not because I was exceptionally brilliant. It was because I had the “will” to learn and push myself to excel to my maximum capacity. So my answer is it depends upon the individual. I think if you have the time and finances to get a writing degree then go for it. If you can’t pursue that path then do whatever you can to learn your craft and overcome every obstacle you encounter. It is all an inside job with your “will” to succeed.