The Coastal Carolina University board of trustees approved four new four-year degree programs during its fall meeting on Oct. 14. The programs are a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry with a chemistry education track, a Bachelor of Arts in physics education, a Bachelor of Arts in English education, and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish education.

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

All four programs feature a well-rounded curriculum that includes foundational courses in the selected discipline as well as pedagogical skills needed to teach successfully at the high school level. These degree programs seek to equip future educators to fill in-demand teaching vacancies in the region and state immediately upon graduation.

The B.A. in chemistry seeks to provide students with a four-year undergraduate degree in chemistry with a focus on education. Students are required to take courses in chemistry, biology, physics, and education, and will be qualified to teach chemistry at the high school level upon graduation. Middle school science certification can be obtained with an additional exam. The B.A. in physics education prepares students to teach physics at the high school level upon graduation.

The B.A. in English education program prepares students to become English educators at the secondary level, with a broad foundation in English, literature, rhetoric, composition, and literary theory. It also provides a significant depth of training in the historical content and pedagogical skills needed to teach successfully at the secondary level. The B.A. in Spanish education provides students with the content background and credentials necessary to become Spanish educators at the secondary level.

In other action, the board:

• Approved University administration to begin negotiations to lease space in Myrtle Beach for a CCU store concept, which will increase the University’s presence in the area, create an in-person admissions application location, and develop another space to sell CCU apparel and other items.

• Approved upgrading the campus’ WiFi network to provide improved service to students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors.

• Approved request for University administration to work with S.C. Real Property Services to lease additional beds for students who are required to live in University Housing during the 2023-2024 academic year.

• Received and accepted the 2022 independent financial audit, prepared and presented by Cline Brandt Kochenower & Co., P.A. For the 15th consecutive year, the University received a clean opinion with no material weaknesses.

The board’s next scheduled meetings are Dec. 12-13, 2022.