Entering or advancing in the IT labor market: The role of an online graduate degree in computer science

IF 6.4 1区教育学 Q1 EDUCATION & EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH Internet and Higher Education Pub Date : 2021-10-01 DOI:10.1016/j.iheduc.2021.100820

Isabel Ruthotto, Quintin Kreth, Julia Melkers

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引用次数: 5

Abstract

Online graduate degree programs, particularly in technical disciplines, represent a fast-growing market for higher education institutions. Yet, it is unclear how online degree programs fit within students' educational investment decisions and career goals. Based on a foundation of human capital theory, and using data from a 2017 survey of students enrolled in an online master's degree program in computer science at a highly ranked US university, this study explores how motivation for seeking an online graduate degree in computer science varies by student demographics and professional background/preparation. Results show two student markets: one for career mobility, including job advancement and/or career change, and another for skill building without consideration of mobility. Our results also show that while students come from diverse backgrounds, the primary driving factor for seeking the degree is determined by relevant professional experience. Implications for future study and online instructional design are discussed.

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进入或进入IT劳动力市场:计算机科学在线研究生学位的作用

在线研究生学位课程，特别是技术学科的，代表着高等教育机构快速增长的市场。然而，目前尚不清楚在线学位课程如何符合学生的教育投资决策和职业目标。基于人力资本理论的基础，并使用2017年对美国一所排名靠前的大学计算机科学在线硕士学位课程的学生进行的调查数据，本研究探讨了寻求计算机科学在线研究生学位的动机如何因学生人口统计学和专业背景/准备而变化。结果显示了两个学生市场:一个是职业流动性，包括工作晋升和/或职业转换，另一个是不考虑流动性的技能培养。我们的研究结果还表明，尽管学生来自不同的背景，但寻求学位的主要驱动因素是相关的专业经验。讨论了对未来研究和在线教学设计的启示。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Internet and Higher Education EDUCATION & EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH-

CiteScore

19.30

自引率

4.70%

发文量

审稿时长

40 days

期刊介绍： The Internet and Higher Education is a quarterly peer-reviewed journal focused on contemporary issues and future trends in online learning, teaching, and administration within post-secondary education. It welcomes contributions from diverse academic disciplines worldwide and provides a platform for theory papers, research studies, critical essays, editorials, reviews, case studies, and social commentary.