What is the best way to prepare for a java career ? Could you study on your own, make a few open source projects or work as a freelancer to build credibility ?
OR should I sit through my 3 year CS program. I am in heavy student loan debt from my previous degree....so I'm trying to find the fastest way to find a job, or get paid !
I'd say so. Put the time and effort in to become as good (or close to) a graduate.
You sure could, why not? Starting is not as easy though, since you miss a basis in computer knowledge and people will decline you because you lack the degree.
But with enough will you will eventually find a job and start to build a resume. After that it only gets easier.
Although I would recommend doing the CS program, you get so much basis, a broad foundation to start building your knowledge on.
But its your choice
Either way works, but you don't get the same result.
With quite a bit of exaggeration:
I don't have a degree but I am fairly successful (don't do java though this is a general question and java in the title is a misnomer).
I do feel I would of got better placed quicker if I did have a degree (judging my age against age of graduates) but in the end you actual quality of output determines your rate of progress/pay.
If you are only interested in doing Java then I don't think a degree is strictly necessary. Speaking from experience, a degree teaches you the basics of coding but there is a huge amount not covered which could be learnt from a book or working towards a Java certification. Once you have the basics you will learn much faster working on an open source project with experienced colleagues than from a university course.
But, as some of the other comments suggest, doing a degree course will give you a much broader knowledge of computing. Plus if you have no experience and go for a Java job having no degree will likely count against you. I would definitely recommend working on some projects in your own time. Employers want to take on people who take an active interest in the work they do.
You do not need a CS degree to get a job writing software. If you are a talented, focused individual you can learn enough to qualify for an entry-level position in perhaps six months to a year of studying and coding, depending on how hard you work at it.
Make sure to study general software principles in addition to the specific technology you are focusing on.
One caveat. Just because you have learned enough to fulfill the entry-level job requirements does not mean that it will be easy to convince a potential employer. Many large IT departments likely won't consider someone without a CS (or related) degree. You'll have fewer options than a CS grad, and the CS grad will always get the benefit of the doubt. The job search may take longer, and you might have to take a position that's not terribly desirable, but once you get your foot in the door and have a year or two of experience, very few people will care if you have a degree or not.
Do good work, continue to learn as you work, and be easy to work with, and doors that were closed to you initially will begin to open up.
Whichever route you choose, good luck.