Coastal Carolina University received official notification today from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) approving changes that will allow CCU to establish its first doctoral program. The University will begin offering a Ph.D. program in marine science in 2014.

CCU President David A. DeCenzo was notified that SACS has approved the University's request to be reclassified from a Level 3 (master's granting) institution to a Level 5 (three or fewer doctoral programs) institution.

"This is a very proud moment for Coastal Carolina University," said DeCenzo. "Adding a Ph.D. program in marine science is a sensible move for our institution that will deliver significant dividends for our region and our state for years to come."

CCU established a master's degree program in 2003 in coastal marine and wetland studies, which attracts students nationally and internationally. University officials view the Ph.D. program as a logical progression in CCU's leadership in the field of marine science. The new degree will focus on the complex interactions between atmosphere, ocean and land, with special attention on shoreline change, weather impact and environmental policy, according to Michael Roberts, dean of CCU's College of Science.