The Full Form of DLA is Doctor of Liberal Arts.

We live today in a rich and varied culture. Every moral, social, political, and cultural question we face demands the broadest consideration we can give it, and it is important that we draw from the multiplicity of methods and perspectives nurtured and cultivated in the many disciplines of a great university.

The Doctor of Liberal Arts (DLA) program is designed for the experienced adult learner who wishes to pursue rigorous interdisciplinary study along with independent, scholarly reading and research. The degree is designed to cultivate interdisciplinary skills, intellectual habits, analytical and critical reasoning, effective writing, and broad-based decision making. This degree neither constitutes a professional credential nor provides training for an academic career.

Part-time DLA students typically complete all course work within four to five years, followed by comprehensive exams, and an additional two years to complete the thesis.