Coastal Carolina University (CCU), located in Conway, South Carolina, stands as a dynamic public institution offering a wide array of career opportunities in higher education. Nestled near the Atlantic coast, CCU attracts professionals passionate about teaching, research, and administration in a supportive environment. With an enrollment of over 10,000 students, the university employs hundreds of faculty and staff across its seven colleges, including the Gupta College of Science, the Wall College of Business, and the Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts. Jobs at Coastal Carolina University span tenure-track positions, adjunct roles, research-focused jobs, and administrative positions, making it an appealing destination for academics seeking growth in a coastal setting.
The university's emphasis on experiential learning and community engagement creates fulfilling roles where employees contribute to innovative programs like marine science research and business leadership development. Whether you're eyeing faculty jobs or support staff positions, CCU provides competitive benefits, professional development, and a collaborative culture.
Founded in 1954 as Coastal Carolina Junior College, CCU evolved into a four-year institution in 1969 and gained university status in 1993. This growth mirrors South Carolina's commitment to accessible higher education. Today, CCU's mission centers on student-centered learning, research excellence, and public service, particularly in coastal and environmental studies due to its unique location along the Waccamaw River and proximity to Myrtle Beach.
Historically, jobs at CCU have expanded alongside its academic offerings. From initial teaching roles in liberal arts to specialized research positions in the Coastal Marine and Wetland Studies department, the university has hired experts to support its rise in rankings, such as being named a national leader in undergraduate research by the National Science Foundation. This evolution offers long-term career paths for dedicated professionals.
CCU boasts diverse programs driving demand for specialized faculty and staff. The university's colleges host jobs in areas like:
These departments seek candidates who can blend teaching with applied research, contributing to CCU's 90+ undergraduate majors and 30+ graduate programs.
Jobs at Coastal Carolina University include a variety of roles tailored to different career stages. Tenure-track faculty positions dominate academic hiring, alongside adjunct professor jobs for flexible teaching. Research assistant and postdoc opportunities abound in science fields, while administrative jobs cover HR, student affairs, and executive leadership. For a deeper dive into university job types, explore common categories like lecturer jobs and professor jobs prevalent at institutions like CCU.
Staff positions in facilities, IT, and athletics support the Chanticleers' NCAA Division I programs, offering stable careers with tuition remission benefits.
To understand jobs at Coastal Carolina University, key terms include:
For faculty jobs at Coastal Carolina University, a PhD or equivalent terminal degree in the relevant field is standard—such as a Doctor of Education (EdD) for education roles or PhD in Biology for science positions. Administrative jobs may require a master's degree plus experience. Entry-level research assistant jobs often need a bachelor's or master's with lab skills.
CCU prioritizes expertise in coastal and marine sciences, given its research vessel Timothys and partnerships with NOAA. Other foci include intelligence and national security studies, tourism management, and data analytics. Candidates with interdisciplinary skills, like applying GIS to environmental policy, stand out for grant-heavy roles.
Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications, grant funding (e.g., NSF awards), and teaching excellence demonstrated via student evaluations. Key skills encompass:
CCU values candidates with 3-5 years of postdoctoral or industry experience for senior roles.
The application process for jobs at Coastal Carolina University starts with online submission via their HR portal or aggregators like higher ed jobs sites. Prepare a tailored CV, cover letter addressing CCU's mission, teaching philosophy statement, and research agenda. References are often required upfront.
Actionable tips:
Applications are reviewed year-round, with peaks in fall for next academic year starts.
CCU actively promotes diversity through the Title IX Office, Affinity Groups for underrepresented faculty, and the Spadoni/Artisan Communities Scholars program supporting first-gen students and staff. Hiring practices include bias training and targeted recruitment at HBCUs and women's colleges. The university's strategic plan emphasizes inclusive excellence, with metrics tracking faculty diversity growth from 15% underrepresented in 2015 to over 25% today.
Work-life balance at CCU is enhanced by generous PTO (up to 25 days annually), parental leave, and EAP counseling. Campus life thrives with 180+ clubs, HTC Center gym, and proximity to Huntington Beach State Park for outdoor activities. Employees enjoy discounted tickets to athletic events and cultural series featuring guest lecturers. Conway's small-town charm, 10 minutes from Myrtle Beach, offers affordable housing (median home $250,000) and family-friendly vibes, fostering a relaxed yet productive atmosphere.
CCU combines research prestige with teaching focus, offering sabbaticals, startup funds ($10K-$20K for new faculty), and a low 16:1 student-faculty ratio. Competitive salaries (associate professors ~$85K) and coastal perks make it ideal for balanced careers. See how to become a university lecturer for pathways.
Ready to pursue jobs at Coastal Carolina University? Browse higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, and consider posting a job if you're hiring. For research roles, visit research jobs. CCU awaits talented professionals shaping tomorrow's leaders.
