The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) is a federal taxonomy of academic disciplines which describes the instructional content of the program. Colleges’ federal, state and SUNY reporting requirements include a CIP code for every academic program. CIP codes are organized by general to specific, from 2-digit, 4-digit, to 6-digit.
At SUNY, the assigning of a CIP code to an academic program begins with the campus proposal, is finalized by System Administration, and entered into SUNY’s central repository of academic programs (APES). Only System Administration can change a CIP code (usually at the request of a campus) so that all similar programs system-wide have the same CIP codes.
Only one CIP code is assigned to a program (except for multi-award combined programs). CIP codes are not assigned to individual tracks or concentrations within a program.
The relevant and determining factor in CIP code assignment is the program curriculum and the intent is to assign the best-fit CIP as determined through a comparison of the curriculum with the CIP description.
As much as possible, the CIP code should be consistent system-wide for similar SUNY programs.
The CIP code should match, as close as possible, with the assigned NYSED HEGIS code.
To find similar SUNY programs and their CIP code, use an advanced program search in APES for a similar title and award level, visit the SUNY APES site.
To search for a CIP code and a description, go to the National Center for Education Statistics CIP site.
For information from the Department of Homeland Security, see Appendix A for the Eligible CIP Codes for the STEM OPT Extension and Appendix B for the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List
For information from the Department of Homeland Security, refer to the following Department of Homeland Security websites:
To request to change a CIP code, the campus Chief Academic Officer (or designee) must submit to program.review@suny.edu:
Download the below template to request a CIP code change.
Because of the benefits of a STEM CIP designation, campuses may seek to change a program CIP code in order to realize these benefits. Framed by the leading principles of accuracy, transparency, and consistency, the following guidelines and process are intended to provide information to support requests to change a CIP code to a Department of Homeland Security STEM Designated Degree Program.
Request to Change a CIP Code to a DHS STEM Designated Degree Program
For questions about CIP codes and requesting CIP changes, contact program.review@suny.edu.