Codes for Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP)

CIP codes are a six-digit system developed by the U. S. Department of Education to classify and identify academic programs at postsecondary institutions. This standard taxonomy is used for federal and state data collection, reporting and analysis, allowing for consistent comparisons of programs across different institutions. The CIP code system is periodically updated to incorporate changes in the educational and labor markets and more information about CIP codes is available here. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) uses CIP codes to identify the STEM degrees that are eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT (Optional Practical Training) extension. The DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List can be found here.

Columbia University uses CIP codes to submit information on program enrollments and completions to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). 

The University assigns a CIP code to all approved programs. The CIP code is assigned based on information provided by the school or department at the time a program proposal is submitted to the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Programs (OVPAP) as part of the program approval process. While OVPAP will take into consideration the suggested code from the school or department submitting our proposal, it is our obligation to assign a single best CIP code for each program.  

Schools and departments may request to update the CIP code for an existing program based on changes to the CIP code system or based on changes to the program’s curriculum. CIP code changes to existing programs can be made using this form.

Any such change must be approved unanimously by three offices: the Registrar's Office; the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO); and the Provost's Office. Also note that the New York State Education Department (NYSED) assigns a classification code to each program when it is launched, called a HEGIS code. The HEGIS and CIP codes should be consistent with one another. Therefore, if a CIP code change is requested, there may also be a need to request that NYSED update the associated HEGIS code.