Coastal Carolina University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Coastal Carolina University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling 404-679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).
As a member institution, CCU is required to comply with SACSCOC's Substantive Change Policy and Procedures (SACSCOC, Revised March 2022) (PDF)
ACAD-487 Substantive Change Policy - This University policy establishes institutional procedures for recognizing and approving the substantive change and ensuring timely notification to SACSCOC.
Substantive Change Tracking
| Program | Substantive Change | Effective Date | SACSCOC Notification Date | SACSCOC Response Date |
| Gerontology (Undergraduate Certificate) | Discontinue certificate | TBD | 5/19/2022 | TBD |
| Liberal Studies (M.A.) | Add blended and 100% online instruction | Fall 2021 | 5/26/2021 | 12/13/2021 |
| All programs | Move to online instruction (COVID-19) | Spring 2020 | 3/16/2020 | --- |
| Global Achievement Program (GAP) | English as a Second Language Pathway program | Spring 2020 | --- | 03/05/2020 |
| English for Speakers of Other Languages (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate) | Discontinue certificate | Fall 2019 | 10/21/2019 | 2/14/2020 |
| Communication (M.A.) | New program | Fall 2019 | 12/4/2018 | 3/1/2019 |
| Education (Ph.D.) | New program | Spring 2019 | 9/26/2018 | 10/22/2018 |
| Musical Theatre (B.F.A.) | Discontinue program | Fall 2018 | 7/25/2018 | 11/12/2018 |
| Music Technology (M.A.) | New program | Fall 2018 | 10/5/2017 | 3/8/2018 |
| Art (M.A.T.) | Discontinue program | Summer 2018 | 8/8/2019 | 2/14/2020 |
| Special Education (M.Ed.) | New program | Summer 2016 | 12/2/2015 | 4/25/2016 |
| Engineering Science (B.S.) | New program | Spring 2016 | 7/7/2015 | 11/25/2015 |
| Information Systems Technology (M.S.) | New program | Spring 2016 | 7/7/2015 | 11/25/2015 |
| Digital Culture and Design (B.A.) | New program | Fall 2015 | 4/14/2015 | 9/15/2015 |
| Sport Management (M.S.) | New program | Fall 2015 | 6/1/2015 | 7/27/2015 |
| English for Speakers of Other Languages (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate) | New certificate | Fall 2015 | 10/17/2014 | 4/15/2015 |
| Learning & Teaching - Early/Elementary (M.Ed.) | Discontinue concentration | Fall 2015 | 9/10/2015 | 12/14/2015 |
| Special Education - Learning Disabilities (B.A.) | Discontinue program | Fall 2014 | 9/2/2015 | 12/14/2015 |