The Coastal Carolina University board of trustees approved a new online Master of Education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degree program during its meeting on Sept. 8. The board also approved constructing a new building to house the University’s Conway Medical Center College of Health and Human Performance (CMCCHHP). The area will include a nearby structure to accommodate up to 400 parking spaces.

The new degree program must also be approved by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges before being officially added to the University curriculum.

The M.Ed. in STEM education is an interdisciplinary collaboration between faculty in multiple colleges but will primarily be housed within the Spadoni College of Education and Social Sciences. The new degree program will prepare students to teach STEM pedagogy in pre-K through grade 12 instructional settings, with a focus on project-based learning experiences. Many of the courses required for this degree program are already taught at CCU in support of add-on licensure or certification coursework, including the M.Ed. in instructional technology, the M.S. in information systems, and the certificate program in computer science education.

“The M.Ed. in STEM education supports the professional development of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics educators interested in advancing STEM pedagogy in the classroom,” said Jamia Richmond, interim dean of the Spadoni College. “The program addresses the shortage of STEM-credentialed teachers in this area. This interdisciplinary program is consistent with Spadoni College’s mission to cultivate transformative educational and professional opportunities for our students and community partners.”

The CMCCHHP’s new 64,000-square-foot facility will house the following academic units: public health, nursing, health administration, exercise science, recreation and sport management, and sport management. In addition to providing space for classrooms, laboratories, and administrative offices, the facility will include a medical clinic for students, faculty, and staff to access healthcare. The budget for the structure, including the nearby parking facility, is $53 million.

The board’s next scheduled meetings are Oct. 26-27.