Coastal Carolina University will offer new degree programs in applied physics and resort tourism management beginning in the fall 2005 semester. The new bachelor of science degree programs were recently approved by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education and by Coastal's board of trustees.

The new applied physics program, offered through Coastal's College of Natural and Applied Sciences, will include two areas of emphasis: technological and environmental. The program will complement Coastal's marine science program and promote teaching.

The applied physics program meshes with Coastal's "3+2" arrangement with Clemson University where students attend CCU for three years and Clemson for two, earning both a bachelor's degree from Coastal in the discipline of their choice and an engineering degree from Clemson.

Teresa Burns, chair of the Department of Chemistry and Physics, and physics professor Louis Keiner have been working toward this degree for about seven years, according to Keiner. "This program will be a major boon to students." He said the applied physics emphasis on environmental physics "goes hand-in-hand with Coastal's marine science and wetlands studies. Students will be able to apply it to physical oceanography and related fields."

The resort tourism management degree, offered through Coastal's E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration, will directly benefit the area's economy and businesses.

"We are excited about the opportunity to offer a full major in Resort Tourism Management," said David DeCenzo, dean of the Wall College of Business. "Resort tourism management has been one of the fastest growing areas in the Wall College. By offering the this new degree, we will be better able to serve our students" needs as we prepare them for careers in a field that directly impacts our community."

For more information about the degrees, contact Coastal's Office of Admissions at 349-2026.