Created in the 1960s, D.A. degrees were originally meant as advanced liberal arts degrees for students interested in improving their worldwide cultural knowledge. Today, however, they are available for multiple subjects such as history and science.
Students wishing to acquire a D.A. must have considerable knowledge in their field of choice and a capacity to teach it at a postsecondary level. Independent research experience and a report thereon are also required.
The DA degree is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the National Science Foundation, often referred to as the "college teaching doctorate." It is recommended for those seeking careers teaching in specialized subjects, such as postsecondary music and college-level art.