Long story short... 20 years at small software company, associates degree in computer science, responsibilities are now more aligned with a CTO type position. Would like to become more knowledgeable about sysadmin, networking and security areas which I'm already working with on a regular basis.<p>It seems like the options are to just learn all of it independently and get certifications; or go back to school, pay a lot more, and have a degree at the end (edit: leaning towards an IT degree instead of finishing CS). Company will cover some costs each year but degree would largely be out of pocket. I don't want lack of Bachelor's degree to affect me in the future if I want to move on to another company but it is a much bigger commitment. Will it affect me in the future at this point in my career? Do certifications offset anything there? Thoughts or recommendations?
20 years in, nobody cares much about whether you have your degree <i>as long as</i> your work history tells a tale of solid accomplishment and career progression.<p>You mention sysadmin, networking, and security as areas you want to know more about.
Much as I am in favor of degrees, it's unlikely a CS degree will help you in those areas much since they involve practical knowledge rather than theory. Possibly an IT degree would be a benefit but even that is a bit of a stretch.