Codes for Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP)

Codes for Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP)

According to the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics, CIP (Classification of Instructional Programs) codes represent “a taxonomic scheme that supports the accurate tracking and reporting of fields of study and program completions activity.” For each approved program offered by Columbia University and registered with New York State, a CIP code is assigned by the Registrar’s Office when the program is launched. In addition, schools and departments may request to update a CIP code based on changes to a discipline as it evolves. Any such change must be approved unanimously by three offices: the Registrar's Office; the International Students and Scholars Office; 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 must also be a request to NYSED to update the HEGIS code. A CIP code change can be processed only after receiving NYSED approval for the corresponding HEGIS code change.

 
To learn more about CIP codes, visit the NCES website:
 
 
Departments may submit a request to change a CIP code for an existing program by completing the online request form: