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.

在线研究生学位课程，尤其是技术学科，代表了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适应学生的教育投资决策和职业目标。本研究以人力资本理论为基础，并使用 2017 年对在美国排名靠前的大学攻读计算机科学在线硕士学位课程的学生进行的调查数据，探讨了寻求在线计算机科学研究生学位的动机如何变化通过学生人口统计和专业背景/准备。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/或职业变化，另一个是不考虑流动性的技能培养。我们的结果还表明，虽然学生来自不同的背景，但寻求学位的主要驱动因素是由相关的专业经验决定的。讨论了对未来学习和在线教学设计的影响。