A national survey of administrators was conducted to explore career paths and barriers in higher education administration and differences between male and female administrators as well as differences in administrative ranks between the sexes. The sample consisted of 394 administrators at the dean and above level, 319 of whom were male. A majority were white. A majority of women and men held the doctorate degree; however, the majority of the women received their highest degree in education, while men were more spread out with degrees in education, social sciences, and other fields. The distribution of current administrative positions indicated that women were more likely than men to hold lower level positions, and were more likely to be at community colleges. Two areas were important in the career path to higher education administration: one's education, and whether an individual acquires any faculty experience. Barriers perceived and experienced by women include: lack of strong sponsorship for administrative positions, sex discrimination, the importance placed on family responsibilities in the early career, and the type of education received. The questionnaire is appended. (SW)