As Cheryl Rice’s 17-year-old daughter considers college options, she looks to her mom for advice and inspiration. Rice recently earned a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Wilmington University. 

“I just love the environment at WilmU,” says Rice, vice president of operations for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware, northern region. “I felt like somebody was holding my hand, like ‘It’s OK. You got this.’ I just don’t think I would have gotten there anywhere else.” 

After high school, she spent three years at another Delaware university and then transferred to Wilmington University for its smaller classes, but life intervened. She found a full-time job and raised a family before returning to WilmU to complete her bachelor’s degree. 

“They really do cater to the working adult,” says Rice, who’s been at the Boys & Girls Clubs for 26 years. “The ability to take what I’m doing in my classes and then apply them to leading my team is so valuable.”  

Flexible Degree Program 

An Interdisciplinary Studies degree from WilmU’s College of Education & Liberal Arts flexes to fit your interests and schedule, readying you for a broad range of careers. The two-year A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies, available in person or online, provides a solid foundation in durable skills, such as critical thinking, communication and information literacy. Elective courses allow you to customize your studies. 

Already have an associate degree or other college credits? The 100% online B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies program incorporates the knowledge you bring to WilmU, saving you time and tuition. WilmU accepts up to 90 transfer credits toward a bachelor’s degree and also offers credit for work and military experience.  

“We will honor your educational journey. We want to see where your credits fit into our program, help you to fill the gaps and make sure your interests are addressed,” says Dr. Katherine Cottle, WilmU’s chair of Interdisciplinary Studies and Literature. “At the end of the day, we want you to be well prepared.” 

Career-Ready Skills 

The B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies program covers English, sociology, psychology, financial literacy, public speaking, mathematics, politics and more. You’ll graduate with the skills employers want, including reasoning and analysis, effective writing and communication, collaboration, technological fluency, leadership, and professionalism. 

“Our Interdisciplinary Studies programs prepare students to be versatile workers, able to upskill because the strong durable skills are already there,” Dr. Cottle says. 

Use elective courses to complete a related certificate or minor while you earn your degree or accelerate into your next degree by incorporating graduate coursework — at no extra tuition cost. With Dual-Credit ADVANTAGE™, you can begin an M.S. in Digital Communication, M.S. in Management or other master’s program while finishing your bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. 

“Students can take up to 12 graduate credits as undergraduates while paying undergraduate class prices,” says Dr. Cottle, who’s always available to answer questions. “Don’t be afraid to get in contact with me.” 

Back at the Boys & Girls Clubs, Rice reflects on her career path — how she worked her way up in the organization and finished what she started at WilmU. 

“There really is a way to accomplish your career goals and also earn your degree at the same time,” Rice says. 

Source: 2025 Lightcast Data | Based on Full-Time Employment Status (2,080 hours annually)