Coastal Carolina University unveils 10 new degrees, including the circus

If you've ever wanted to run away with the circus, Coastal Carolina University may be able to place you under the big top this fall.

The university has established 10 new degree programs, including a Bachelor of Fine arts in Theatre Arts, which will allow students to study physical theater and spend their senior year in residence at the Circus Center of San Francisco's Clown Conservatory. The offering has already attracted international attention to CCU.

In addition to physical theater, the BFA in theatre arts has two other tracks, acting and technical design. Other degrees include a BFA in musical theatre, bachelor of arts in sociology, bachelor of arts in graphic design, bachelor of arts in economics, bachelor of science in information systems, bachelor of science in biochemistry, master of education in educational leadership, master of education in learning and teaching, and master of arts in writing (pending approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, a regional accreditation agency).

CCU adds degree programs when administration or faculty perceive there is a need in the community, said Barbara Buckner, the university's associate provost for assessment and accreditation.

It can take between 18 months and three years to set up a program, meet state regulations and receive approval from the S.C. Commission on Higher Education, as well as get SACS approval "if a program really deviates from what we already have," she said. "The university must show a need for the programs, or they won't be approved."

Establishing the physical theater program is a pioneering move on the part of the university.

"We're the first with a bachelor of fine arts in physical theatre," said Ken Martin, chair of the theater department at CCU. "It's cutting edge for the United States."

Of course, there's more to it than donning oversized shoes.

"One part is clowning, but we're not talking about Ringling Brothers with the big red nose," Martin said. "It's a more European tradition."

Martin cited examples such as Harold Lloyd and Charlie Chaplin, actors who reigned in the silent-film era and wowed audiences with stunts, slapstick and physical comedy routines, and Cirque du Soleil, a contemporary circus that performs worldwide and combines theatrical and circus techniques to tell a story.

He said prospective students will range from those in gymnastics who have an interest in performance, to dancers who want to go beyond traditional dance and actors who move well and want to try physical drama.

"We're really excited. It's had quite a response from all over the world," said Martin, who said he already has had interest from people in England, Germany, the Czech Republic, Canada and Argentina.

"I don't know how it will be received the first couple of years, but I think it will become a unique and sought-after program."

Four of the other degree programs actually were offered last year: economics in the fall and graphic design, information systems and educational leadership in the spring.

According to Buckner, the first nine students to earn the bachelors in graphic design were able to graduate in May, as they already had a minor in the area and moved easily into the major program. She said faculty recognized the need for a major in the area because the number of students with a minor in the subject was "growing by leaps and bounds."

The master's in educational leadership, designed for those who are currently in education and want to become school principals, will address an expressed leadership shortage in surrounding counties, Buckner said.

"The Horry and Georgetown school districts repeatedly asked us to start the program," Buckner said.

The Master of Arts in Writing is still pending approval from SACS, but students will be able to concentrate in professional or technical writing, creative writing or take courses from both areas.

"It's the first graduate program in the College of Humanities," Buckner said. "We'll meet the needs of many careers, and some employers have said they would help fund students' tuitions."

Pamela J. Cravey, coordinator of communications and external affairs at SACS, said the agency receives many requests for change and that adding multiple degrees is "reflective of a place that's trying to serve its community better."

She said SACS had requested additional information about the master's in writing, and the university has responded.

"We are processing as fast as we can, in the order that they come in," Cravey said. "We're looking at how the program fits within the university or college ... the newest, latest, greatest isn't the issue for us. It's, 'Do they have enough faculty?' 'Are they prepared?'"

Additionally, the BFA in Musical theatre will feature three tracks - acting, singing and dancing - where Buckner said students can focus more on their craft and for which auditions are required. She also pointed out the redesign of the Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, which now includes tracks in social justice, criminology, and health and aging.

Buckner said there was a large student demand for criminology and that professionals in that area are needed in both the region and the state. She said health and aging is also important for this area because of the large retiree population on the Grand Strand.

"It's a very exciting time to be at Coastal," Buckner said. "We've hired a lot of new faculty. ... You can just feel the energy on campus, and you can see that in our new programs."