Not every religious person is a hardcore bible reader who does not question anything. In fact, most believers I've met are in the opposite end: they know most of the tales of the bible are just tales, and accept the scientific methods and explanations. They just believe there's also a god or something out there.

Regarding the degree thing, you may or may not acquire them. The degree just requires you to demonstrate a certain knowledge and skills, but not necessarily problem solving and answer finding. If you apply yourself and have good teachers, you can certainly learn it, but it's not that much different of a situation than when you're working in some job or doing things by yourself. It's not necessary nor sufficient, and definitely not even in most cases.