What is a 6 Digit CIP Code? An Intro to Higher Education Classification.

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I remember the feeling of excitement mixed with anxiety when I first applied to colleges. It was a new chapter of my life, and I wanted to make sure I found the right fit for me. But before I could even think about visiting campuses or filling out applications, I was met with a confusing question – what’s my 6 digit CIP code?

If you’re like me, you probably had no idea what a CIP code was when you first encountered it. But don’t worry, understanding CIP codes is crucial to navigating the world of higher education and finding the right program for you. In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into what a 6 digit CIP code is, and why it’s so important in the realm of higher education classification. So buckle up and get ready to learn something new!

What is a 6 digit CIP code?

A 6 digit CIP code, also known as the Classification of Instructional Programs code, is a unique identifier used to categorize instructional programs offered at postsecondary education institutions in the United States. It is a six-digit number (xxxxxx) that provides detailed information about the nature and content of each program. Each of the six digits in a CIP code has a specific meaning that helps to identify the program’s field of study and level of specialization.

Here are some key details about how the six digits in a CIP code are organized and what they signify:

  • The first two digits indicate a broad subject area, such as “51” for “Health Professions and Related Programs.”
  • The first four digits provide a more specific description of the program’s content and are used to identify an intermediate aggregate within the broad subject area.
  • The final two digits indicate the specific program within the intermediate aggregate.

    • For example, the CIP code 51.2707 identifies a program in Dental Hygiene/Hygienist. The first two digits “51” indicate that the program is in the Health Professions and Related Programs category, while the digits “27” narrow it down to Dental Support Services and Allied Professions, and the digits “07” identify the specific program in Dental Hygiene/Hygienist. In summary, CIP codes provide a standardized way to categorize instructional programs and help ensure consistency and accuracy in reporting.

    ???? Pro Tips:

    1. Look up the 6 digit CIP code for your intended program of study before applying to colleges or universities to ensure that the program is accredited by the appropriate academic and professional organizations.
    2. Students interested in pursuing professional careers should research the 6 digit CIP code for their intended field to learn about the skills and knowledge required, job outlook, and potential salary range.
    3. Employers can use 6 digit CIP codes to verify that job candidates have completed education and training programs that meet the qualifications required for the position.
    4. Education and workforce development agencies use 6 digit CIP codes for data collection, analysis, and reporting to monitor trends and make informed policy decisions.
    5. The National Center for Education Statistics maintains a comprehensive database of 6 digit CIP codes that can be searched and downloaded for free, providing valuable resources for students, educators, researchers, and policymakers.

    Understanding the Basics of CIP Code

    The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code is a numerical code assigned to educational programs by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) in the United States. The purpose of CIP codes is to provide a standardized method for tracking educational programs across institutions at all levels. The CIP code system was developed in response to the need for consistent education data for use in policy-making and research.

    The Significance of the Six-Digit Code

    The CIP code consists of six digits, with the first two digits representing the broad subject area of the program, and the last four digits representing a more specific concentration within that subject area. The six-digit format allows for thousands of different programs to be clearly classified and identified. The significance of the six-digit code cannot be overstated, as it allows educational institutions to accurately report on and compare their programs with those at other institutions.

    How CIP Codes Classify Instructional Programs

    CIP codes are used to classify educational programs at three levels: the first two digits indicate a broad subject area, the first four digits represent an intermediate aggregate within the broad subject area, and the full six digits identify a specific instructional program. The NCES updates and maintains the CIP code system to ensure that it remains relevant and accurate.

    Consider the following example: the CIP code “51.3201” represents a specific program in nursing education. Breaking it down further, the first two digits “51” refer to Health Professions and Related Programs. The first four digits “51.32” refer to Nursing, and the last two digits “51.3201” refer to Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.

    Bullet points:

  • CIP codes identify educational programs at three levels.
  • The first two digits represent a broad subject area.
  • The first four digits represent an intermediate aggregate within the broad subject area.
  • The full six digits identify a specific instructional program.
  • The NCES updates and maintains the CIP code system.

    Decoding the First Two Digits of a CIP Code

    To understand the CIP code for a specific program, it is important to first understand the meaning of the first two digits. The following is a list of the overall categories and examples of instructional programs that fall within each one:

    Bullet points:

  • 01 Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences
  • Includes programs such as Animal Sciences, Agriculture Business, and Horticulture.
  • 02 Architecture and Related Services
  • Includes programs such as Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning.
  • 03 Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies – Includes programs such as African Studies, Women’s Studies, and Asian American Studies.
  • 04 Biological and Biomedical Sciences – Includes programs such as Biochemistry, Neuroscience, and Molecular Biology.
  • 05 Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services – Includes programs such as Accounting, Business Administration, and Sales.
  • 06 Communications, Journalism, and Related Programs – Includes programs such as Journalism, Public Relations, and Communications Studies.
  • 07 Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services – Includes programs such as Radio and Television Broadcasting, Audiovisual Communications Technologies, and Printing Management Technology.
  • 08 Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services – Includes programs such as Computer Science, Information Technology, and Computer Systems Analysis.
  • 09 Education – Includes programs such as Elementary Education, Special Education, and Early Childhood Education.
  • 10 Engineering – Includes programs such as Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering.
  • 11 Engineering Technologies and Engineering-Related Fields – Includes programs such as Engineering Technology, Surveying Engineering, and Industrial Engineering.
  • 12 Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics – Includes programs such as Chinese Language and Literature, Spanish Language and Literature, and Comparative Literature.
  • 13 Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences – Includes programs such as Family and Consumer Sciences, Human Development, and Consumer Merchandising/Retailing Management.
  • 14 Legal Professions and Studies – Includes programs such as Law, Legal Studies, and Paralegal Studies.
  • 15 English Language and Literature/Letters – Includes programs such as English Language and Literature, Creative Writing, and Technical and Business Writing.
  • 16 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities – Includes programs such as Humanities, General Studies, and Liberal Arts and Sciences.
  • 17 Library Science – Includes programs such as Library Science and Information Science.
  • 18 Biological, Physical, and Mathematical Sciences – Includes programs such as Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
  • 19 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies – Includes programs such as Cognitive Science, Gerontology, and Dispute Resolution.
  • 20 Parks, Recreation, Leisure, and Fitness Studies – Includes programs such as Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies, Kinesiology, and Sports Medicine.
  • 21 Philosophy and Religious Studies – Includes programs such as Philosophy, Religion, and Islamic Studies.
  • 22 Theology and Religious Vocations – Includes programs such as Theology, Bible Studies, and Pastoral Studies.
  • 23 Physical Sciences – Includes programs such as Astrophysics, Atmospheric Sciences, and Geology.
  • 24 Science Technologies/Technicians – Includes programs such as Biotechnology, Chemical Technology, and Nuclear Engineering Technology.
  • 25 Psychology – Includes programs such as Psychology, Counseling Psychology, and Clinical Psychology.
  • 26 Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services – Includes programs such as Criminal Justice, Fire Science, and Forensic Science.
  • 27 Public Administration and Social Service Professions – Includes programs such as Public Administration, Social Work, and Human Services.
  • 28 Social Sciences – Includes programs such as Political Science, Geography, and International Relations.
  • 29 Construction Trades – Includes programs such as Construction, Plumbing Technology, and Building Construction.
  • 30 Mechanic and Repair Technologies/Technicians – Includes programs such as Automotive Technology, Heating and Air Conditioning Technology, and Avionics Maintenance Technology.
  • 31 Precision Production Trades – Includes programs such as Precision Production Trades, Welding Technology, and Machinist Technology.
  • 32 Transportation and Materials Moving – Included programs such as Transportation Logistics, Air Transportation, and Marine Transportation.

    Exploring the Intermediate Aggregate of a CIP Code

    The next four digits of the CIP code represent the intermediate aggregate within the broad subject area. These four digits refine the category further to identify specific concentrations and sub-fields of study within the subject area. In some cases, these four digits are enough to accurately identify a program, but in most cases, the full six-digit code is needed.

    Examples of CIP Codes in Different Educational Fields

    The following list provides examples of specific CIP codes within different educational fields:

  • 01.0308 – Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations
  • 05.0101 – Business Administration and Management, General
  • 09.0101 – Education, General
  • 11.0101 – Engineering, General
  • 13.0101 – Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
  • 16.0901 – Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities, Other
  • 19.0101 – Environmental Studies
  • 25.0000 – Psychology, General
  • 27.0305 – Social Work, Other

    How CIP Codes Affect Education Policy and Funding

    CIP codes are integral to the allocation of education funding at both the federal and state levels. CIP codes are used to track and report on all aspects of educational programs, including enrollment, graduation rates, and career outcomes of students. Policymakers and education leaders use these data points to identify areas of need, evaluate program effectiveness, and ensure that education funding is being used in the most efficient and impactful way possible.

    In conclusion, the importance of CIP codes cannot be understated. They play a critical role in the reporting and tracking of educational programs at all levels, and their use is essential to ensuring that education funding is allocated in the most effective way possible. Understanding the basics of CIP codes, as well as what the first two and four digits represent, will help you make sense of these important codes and their significance in the world of education.

     

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