The purpose of this descriptive quantitative research study was to determine the educational backgrounds and prior professional experiences and memberships of learning specialists in Division I (D-I) college athletics, as well as their self-reported preparedness levels. A secondary purpose was to determine if significant differences exist in these variables that may suggest critical areas of preparation and their contribution to the overall professional growth of learning specialists in D-I college athletics. To gather the necessary information, a 19-item survey instrument was developed and emailed to total of 214 publicly listed email addresses of individuals possessing the title of learning specialist from NCAA D-I member institutions across the country. Of the 125 responses recorded in Qualtrics, 112 (52.3% of the 214 publicly listed addresses) were deemed useable. The findings of this study suggested that learning specialists in D-I college athletics share similar preparedness levels regardless of their highest degree obtained prior to entering their first full-time learning specialist position and the field of study of their highest degree obtained prior to entering their first full-time learning specialist position. In addition, learning specialists in D-I college athletics demonstrated similar preparedness levels regardless of their prior part-time and full-time experiences as well as their professional membership(s). While learning specialists in D-I college athletics share similar preparedness levels regardless of variables related to their educational backgrounds, prior professional experiences and membership(s), the preparedness levels of learning specialists in D-I college athletics with at least 3 years of experience in this position were significantly higher than those with less than 3 years of full-time experience as a learning specialist. Further research examining this difference is warranted. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]