This manuscript presents findings from a mixed method study that sought to identify the factors that motivate graduate students to pursue a degree in the field of education administration. One hundred sixty-one graduate students from three universities located in Mississippi participated in the study. Participants completed a 10-item survey using a four-point Likert rating scale, ranked a list of motivation factors, and responded to an open-ended question to provide data for the study. Data were analyzed and disaggregated by age, gender, and race. Findings indicated that the top three reasons for pursuing a degree in education administration are (a) career advancement, (b) impact on students lives, and (c) self-efficacy--perception they can do a great job. Statistically significant differences were found between Black and White groups for two of the ten identified motivating factors--encouraged by others and seeking a pay raise.