Overview
The United States government has designated certain science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines as eligible for special consideration in determining visa status for F-1 international students and applicants for STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). Programs are identified based on federal Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes developed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The list of eligible CIP codes is published by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
CIP codes at UMass Amherst are assigned by the University Analytics and Institutional Research, consistent with guidance from NCES.
- Each program is assigned the single CIP code that best represents the focus and content of the program. When a program has characteristics of more than one CIP classification, UAIR will work with the department to to determine the CIP code that most closely matches the program’s focus and content.
- CIP codes are assigned to programs, not individuals. All students enrolled in or holding degrees from a given program are identified by the same CIP code, regardless of their individual course selections, thesis or dissertation foci, etc.
- CIP codes are generally applied at the degree program (i.e. SPIRE plan) level. In some exceptional cases approved sub-plans may have a different CIP code.
CIP codes have many uses. As described by the NCES:
The CIP is the accepted federal government statistical standard on instructional program classifications and is used in a variety of education information surveys and databases. Since it was first published in 1980, the CIP has been used by NCES in the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), … other Department of Education offices, such as the Office for Civil Rights, the Office of Vocational and Adult Education, and the Office of Special Education, and serves as the standard on instructional programs for other federal agencies, including the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Commerce (Bureau of the Census), the Department of Labor (Bureau of Labor Statistics) , and others. The CIP is used by state agencies, national associations, academic institutions, and employment counseling services for collecting, reporting, and analyzing instructional program data.
Given this wide range of uses, it is important that CIP codes reflect the best overall description of a program, not tailored to any specific use or application.
Information on the STEM OPT process and to request a revised I-20 form can be found on the International Program Office's STEM OPT page.
Requesting a CIP Code Change
CIP codes can be reviewed to ensure their accuracy and currency. It is good practice for all academic programs to regularly review and assess their curricula and program outcomes to assure the accuracy of their CIP code designation. University Analytics and Institutional Research (UAIR) also conducts periodic reviews, particularly when changes to CIP codes are made by the US Department of Education.
If an academic program asserts that a different CIP code and description is better aligned to their current academic major(s), a request for CIP code review form must be submitted by the department head or chair to UAIR and have the endorsement of the Dean of the school/college.
Please note: a CIP code change will not be made only to qualify a program for a STEM designation. Changes to CIP codes will be made only when changes to the program curriculum warrant a new CIP code.
Requests must include the following (please complete this form and attach any additional material):
- Current CIP code and description
- Proposed CIP code and description
- Reason for CIP code change
- Justification for the CIP code change, which must include explanation of why a new CIP code description more accurately describes the program, documentation of curricular changes that support the new CIP code, review of the curricula of peer institutions with similar programs, review of other UMass programs with the proposed CIP code, and if changing to a STEM code, explanation of how the program fits a STEM field.
A designee from University Analytics and Institutional Research (UAIR) will consult with the Senior Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Senior Associate Graduate Registrar in reviewing the request. These individuals may consult with others as needed. Final determination will be granted by the Provost. Additional requests for change will only be considered for documented changes to the curriculum or changes in the list of CIP codes. Changes in SPIRE will be made in January, May and August. Any CIP code changes resulting from this request will not be retroactively applied.