Examining the Career Paths of Athletic Administrators in NCAA-Member Institutions

Very little is known about the educational and experiential backgrounds of athletic administrators. The purpose of this study was to investigate these backgrounds in collegiate athletic departments. Results indicated significant differences across the three National Collegiate Athletic Association divisions and between males and females related to the educational and experiential backgrounds of athletic administrators, exclusive of athletic directors. Division I administrators were significantly more likely to have a doctorate, more years of experience working in intercollegiate athletics, and no coaching experience. Males were more likely to hold positions in facilities and media; females were more likely to work in academics and compliance. Overall, female administrators were significantly more likely than males to have a master’s degree, prior experience working in intercollegiate athletics, and head coaching experience