The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) is a taxonomy of academic program classification developed and maintained by the United States Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics. CIP codes are used to accurately report academic programs offered by institutions of higher education to the Department of Education (IPEDS, NSLDS), state regulatory authorities (IBHE) and accreditors (HLC). NIU seeks to maintain accurate and appropriate CIP code classifications for all academic programs which require them.
NIU will assign CIP codes to the following levels of academic programs:
- Graduate Major
- Undergraduate Major
- Certificate of Graduate Study (standalone)
- Certificate of Undergraduate Study (standalone)
Determining CIP Codes
NIU will assign CIP codes to a program based on the approved curriculum, its focus and purpose, and the program learning outcomes. The NCES CIP Code User Guide taxonomy and its associated descriptions will be used to determine the best match code.
CIP codes are determined in consultation with the unit offering the academic program. NIU’s curriculum management system may be used to facilitate CIP code recommendations for new or changed programs, but the recommended CIP code will not be considered as part of the curriculum proposal and attendant approval processes.
Adding or Changing a CIP Code
Units proposing new academic programs are encouraged to recommend a CIP code when completing the new program proposal form.
Units proposing changes to a program are encouraged to evaluate whether the changes will necessitate an update to the program’s CIP code and indicate a recommended CIP code on the program change proposal form.
Units wanting to recommend a CIP code change outside of the curriculum proposal process will complete a CIP Code Change Request Form.
CIP Codes and STEM Designation
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. The United States government designates certain STEM disciplines as eligible for special consideration in determining visa status for F-1 international students and applicants for STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). These disciplines are identified by their CIP code.
A STEM OPT Extension may allow an international student studying a qualifying STEM major to receive up to 24 months of employment authorization. The major must have an approved STEM CIP code identified by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Contact the International Student and Scholar Services Office for more information about these extensions.
Changing to a STEM CIP Code
To change a STEM CIP code, the program must demonstrate that 50% or more of the program content and associated learning outcomes are grounded in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The evidence for this is found in the program learning outcomes and the curricular requirements.
CIP Code Review
CIP code recommendations will be considered by a review group consisting of the:
- Assistant Vice Provost for Assessment and Accreditation
- Curriculum Coordinator/Catalog Editor
- Dean of the Graduate School (or designee)
- Executive Director of Institutional Research and Analytics
- University Registrar
- Vice Provost for Academic Affairs (or designee)
Determinations of the CIP Code Review Group will be subject to the approval of the Executive Vice President and Provost. Upon approval, the Assistant Vice Provost for Assessment and Accreditation will coordinate the reporting of new or changed CIP codes to HLC, IBHE and other external regulatory agencies.