you are definitely doing what your suggesting the right way but it's definitely a faster track because anyone who gets computer science also studies those things but also studies hierachical statemachine theory, calculus, calculus based physics, linear algebra, compilers, computer architecture, advanced math classes, advanced com sci electives, ect... just to name a few not to mention all the social sciences and other core classes that anyone with a 4 year degree gets. and for me i'd never be as hard core about studying all the time if i didn't get warmed up in school, but i have friends who are more sucessful than me (for now) and more well read on current technology who've taken the approach your suggesting. so it's really about the person but it definitely takes a special kind of person to do what you are talking about and do it well.
it's great to have another tech geek on the board. what technologies you into?