“Degree required” is a phrase that’s included on most Help Wanted ads in order to screen applicants who are completely unqualified.
I’ve worked a variety of technical and professional positions for several well-known and respected employers since 1979, and I don’t have a degree. I’ve never claimed to have one, and I stress on my résumé that I “attended” university for three years and “did not attain a degree”, in case there’s any doubt.
If you can read for understanding, write with clarity, perform simple mathematics, listen when required, speak clearly and dress appropriately, you can perform 90% of the jobs required in American industry. If you can also think, write and spell, then you can also perform about 80% of what’s left after that. I wouldn’t want a surgeon without proper accreditation, no matter how well he writes. Otherwise, considering the output of some I’ve seen who do have university and business degrees, I’d say you don’t need any paper at all… just the demonstrated ability to perform.