I think the main issue is the disconnect between "Computer Science" and building computer programs (computer programming, software engineering, etc.) I think C

I think the main issue is the disconnect between "Computer Science" and building computer programs (computer programming, software engineering, etc.) I think Computer Science has the same gravitas as the other professional fields you mention but that isn't the mainstream concept of what computer programming is all about... Building computer programs is much more akin to other acts of creation. People don't really require artists or authors to have degrees in their respective fields. People can and do start painting/writing/programming without any academic qualifications. These same people frequently give up after a short time because becoming a master of such fields takes a lot of work. That said, computer programming is about the only such field where unexperienced practitioners of the art can make a decent living (e.g. they are paid to practice).