UMass Boston

CIP Code Overview

The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) is a federal system developed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to classify academic programs. CIP codes are used by colleges, universities, government agencies, and other organizations for reporting, data analysis, and program tracking.

Certain CIP codes are also designated as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. These designations may affect eligibility for benefits such as STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extensions for F-1 international students.

CIP Codes at UMass Boston 

At UMass Boston, CIP codes are assigned by the Office of Institutional Research (OIR) in accordance with NCES guidance.

Each academic program is assigned the CIP code that best reflects its primary focus and content. When a program overlaps multiple CIP classifications, OIR may consult with the academic department to determine the most appropriate classification.

How CIP Codes Are Applied

• CIP codes are assigned to academic programs, not individual students.
• All students enrolled in the same degree program share the same CIP code, regardless of coursework, research interests, thesis topics, or dissertation focus.
• CIP codes are assigned at both the degree program (major) level and, where applicable, the concentration, track, or option level.
• Concentrations or tracks may have different CIP codes than the parent degree program.

Why CIP Codes Matter

CIP codes serve many important purposes, including:

• Federal and state reporting requirements
• Institutional planning and analysis
• Research and statistical reporting
• Workforce and labor market analysis
• STEM designation and related immigration benefits
• Educational data collection and benchmarking

Because CIP codes are used for a wide range of purposes, they are selected to provide the most accurate overall representation of a program and are not assigned based on a single purpose or outcome.

Reviewing a CIP Code

Departments may request a review of a program's CIP code to ensure it remains accurate and current.

Requests should be submitted by the department chair or department head to the Office of Institutional Research at inst.research@umb.edu. The request should include the reason for the review, such as:

• Changes to program curriculum or requirements
• Updates to CIP definitions
• Evidence that a different CIP code more accurately reflects the program's focus and content

OIR will review the request and consult with other university offices as needed.