The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) is the taxonomic coding scheme used for instructional programs in higher education in the United States for tracking of program activity.
Each CIP code is a six-digit number (xx.xxxx) with the first two digits representing the general disciplinary area. The last four digits of the CIP code represent more specific program elements within the general discipline.
The CIP titles and program descriptions associated with each code are general categories for program data and not necessarily exact titles of specific majors used by individual institutions.
CIPs by Program Type
The numbers below are for the first two digits in a CIP code, which denotes the general disciplinary area.
- 01 – Agriculture
- 03 – Natural Resources and Conservation
- 04 – Architecture and Related Services
- 05 – Ethnic, Cultural, and Gender Studies
- 09 – Communication and Journalism
- 10 – Communications Technologies
- 11 – Computer and Information Sciences
- 12 – Personal and Culinary Services
- 13 – Education
- 14 – Engineering
- 15 – Engineering Technologies
- 16 – Foreign Languages and Linguistics
- 19 – Family and Consumer Sciences
- 22 – Legal Professions and Studies
- 23 – English Language and Literature
- 24 – Liberal Arts and Sciences
- 25 – Library Science
- 26 – Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- 27 – Mathematics and Statistics
- 28 – Military Science, Leadership
- 29 – Military Technologies
- 30 – Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
- 31 – Parks, Recreation, and Fitness
- 38 – Philosophy and Religious Studies
- 39 – Theology and Religious Vocations
- 40 – Physical Sciences
- 41 – Science Technologies
- 42 – Psychology
- 43 – Homeland Security, Law Enforcement
- 44 – Public Administration
- 45 – Social Sciences
- 46 – Construction Trades
- 47 – Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- 48 – Precision Production
- 49 – Transportation and Materials Moving
- 50 – Visual and Performing Arts
- 51 – Health Professions
- 52 – Business, Management, Marketing
- 54 – History
For a list of the second, four-digit set of numbers in each code, please see the National Center for Education Statistics’ database.
CIP Code Assessment and Assignment
The Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, in conjunction with the Office of Institutional Research and Decision Support and Academic Systems, reviews Ball State University programs regularly to ensure assignment of appropriate CIP codes. The Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs is solely responsible for submitting and maintaining Academic Program Inventory (API) forms, the official inventory of programs offered by higher education institutions in Indiana.
New programs within the University will have an appropriate CIP code assigned based on the program descriptions. Departments and colleges are encouraged to review the CIP code database to suggest appropriate CIP codes. CIP codes will be evaluated during the process of new program development. Once a new program has received final approval, the Office of the Vice Provost and Academic Affairs will add the CIP code and program title to the state API Database.
Access a list of current CIP codes by reviewing the University’s academic program inventory.