Getting the right CIP code for a course isn’t just a formality—it helps align your class with real career paths, supports accurate reporting, and ultimately strengthens the value of an affordable degree program. For students and families comparing financial aid, college scholarships, and strategies for paying for college, CIP codes connect learning to in-demand fields so your investment pays off.
How to Request a CIP Code for a Course (Fastest Way)
Email Dawn Mitchell and include the details below so we can assign the correct code without delay:
- course subject code (e.g., GEOG, HIST, ENGL)
- course number
- course name
- syllabus or catalog description of the course
What Is a CIP Code—and Why It Matters
CIP stands for Classification of Instructional Programs, a coding system created by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics in 1980 and updated every 10 years to reflect new disciplines and emerging areas of study. These codes help connect programs and courses to workforce needs—great news for students focused on career readiness and return on investment.
CIP Codes for Majors (Board of Regents)
- In Louisiana, the Board of Regents uses CIP codes to identify programs of study (majors) and assigns those codes to majors.
- Concentrations don’t have separate CIP codes; they inherit the code of their major.
- See NSU’s majors with associated CIP codes: CLICK HERE and select the Active Majors tab.
- Or review the Board of Regents CRINPROGA report: CLICK HERE.
Why it’s good for students and families: Clear major-to-career mapping helps you compare affordable degree programs and make smarter choices about financial aid and scholarships.
CIP Codes for Courses (Faculty Quick Guide)
- Each institution assigns CIP codes to its own courses.
- When proposing a new course, provide its CIP code using the Course Inventory Maintenance form.
- Item (9.) “COURSE HEGIS (CIP CODE)” allows 6 digits.
- Some forms may still reference HEGIS, but those codes are no longer in use and have been replaced by the CIP code (many people still use the terms interchangeably).
- If authorized, you can look up CIP codes for existing courses in Banner on the SCACRSE screen.
Other Facts That Boost Student Outcomes & Funding
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- CIP ↔ SOC crosswalk aligns majors with occupations/careers (great for career exploration and advising). Explore it: CLICK HERE.
- The Louisiana Workforce Commission uses these crosswalked codes to classify high-demand jobs. See how jobs are classified: CLICK HERE.
- Funding formula impact: CIP codes for courses fall into one of 24 groups (e.g., Liberal Arts, Science, Health Services). Student credit hours are weighted by group and used in the state funding formula. Review the summary from the Board of Regents: CLICK HERE.
Take Action Now
Make your request today so students can see a clear, career-aligned path—and so we can keep improving access, financial aid transparency, and the overall affordability of an NSU education.