Coastal Carolina University (CCU or Coastal) is an independent, state-supported university in Conway, South Carolina, United States, located eight miles (13 km) west of Myrtle Beach. Founded in 1954, Coastal became an independent university in 1993. The University enrolls approximately 8,300 students on its 307-acre (1.24 km) campus. Baccalaureate programs are offered in 51 major fields of study, along with graduate programs in education, business administration (MBA) and coastal marine and wetland studies. The school is composed of its main campus in Conway and also offers courses in Litchfield, Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach. The University is a Sea-grant institute and owns part of Waties Island, a 1,105-acre (4.47 km) barrier island which serves as a natural laboratory. Coastal Carolina is also the home of the Scholars Academy, a high school program for gifted students. The University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). In addition, several of the University's other programs have been accredited. They include: Student organizations include the Student Government Association (SGA), S.T.A.R.