What is a CIP Code?
The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) is code system of instructional programs with the purpose to facilitate the organization, collection, and reporting of fields of study and program completions. Most of the CIP titles correspond to academic and occupational instructional programs offered for credit at the postsecondary level. These programs result in recognized completion points and awards, including degrees, certificates, and other formal awards.
The CIP also includes other types of instructional programs, such as residency programs in various dental, medical, podiatric, and veterinary specialties that may lead to advanced professional certification; personal improvement and leisure programs; and instructional programs that lead to diplomas and certificates at the secondary level only.
The CIP is the accepted federal government statistical standard on instructional program classifications and is used in a variety of education information surveys and databases.
How to Read a CIP Code
The CIP is subdivided in a hierarchical, three-level structure. The highest level is the 2-digit series, which is composed of 47 categories. This is followed by the 4-digit series, composed of 421 categories, and the final level 6-digit series which is composed of 1,847 classifications.
Example
2-digit | 14 | Engineering |
4-digit | 14.08 | Civil Engineering |
6-digit | 14.0804 | Transportation and Highway Engineering |
CIP Broad Structure
2-Digit | Title Description |
01 | Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences |
03 | Natural Resources and Conservation |
04 | Architecture and Related Services |
05 | Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies |
09 | Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs |
10 | Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services |
11 | Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services |
12 | Personal and Culinary Services |
13 | Education |
14 | Engineering |
15 | Engineering Technologies and Engineering-Related Fields |
16 | Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics |
19 | Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences |
22 | Legal Professions and Studies |
23 | English Language and Literature/Letters |
24 | Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities |
25 | Library Science |
26 | Biological and Biomedical Sciences |
27 | Mathematics and Statistics |
28 | Military Science, Leadership and Operational Art |
29 | Military Technologies and Applied Sciences |
30 | Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies |
31 | Parks, Recreation, Leisure, and Fitness Studies |
32 | Basic Skills and Developmental/Remedial Education |
33 | Citizenship Activities |
34 | Health-Related Knowledge and Skills |
35 | Interpersonal and Social Skills |
36 | Leisure and Recreational Activities |
37 | Personal Awareness and Self-Improvement |
38 | Philosophy and Religious Studies |
39 | Theology and Religious Vocations |
40 | Physical Sciences |
41 | Science Technologies/Technicians |
42 | Psychology |
43 | Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Service |
44 | Public Administration and Social Service Professions |
45 | Social Sciences |
46 | Construction Trades |
47 | Mechanic and Repair Technologies/Technicians |
48 | Precision Production |
49 | Transportation and Materials Moving |
50 | Visual and Performing Arts |
51 | Health Professions and Related Programs |
52 | Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services |
53 | High School/Secondary Diplomas and Certificates |
54 | History |
60 | Residency Programs |
Who uses CIP Codes?
- The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) in the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) uses them to code degree programs
- Department of Education offices, such as the Office for Civil Rights, the Office of Vocational and Adult Education, and the Office of Special Education
- Serves as the standard on instructional programs for Federal agencies, including the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Commerce (Bureau of the Census), the Department of Labor (Bureau of Labor Statistics), and others
- State agencies, national associations, academic institutions, and employment counseling services for collecting, reporting, and analyzing instructional program data
- Postsecondary educational institutions use six-digit CIP codes when completing the IPEDS Completions Survey
Why are CIP Codes important?
- Analyzing labor market supply-demand conditions and trends
- Making education and training program funding decisions, including expansion or contraction of program offerings
- Developing and maintaining education and training curriculum
- Information and guidance to individuals in making decisions about careers and education or training choices or conducting a job search