Reporting Codes

CSU and CIP Codes

CSU and CIP Codes (PDF) [pdf] | (XLS) Updated 9/24/20

Each degree and concentration in the California State University system is assigned a CSU Degree Program Code. The CSU codes are assigned to a CIP code. CIP is an acronym for “Classification of Instructional Programs”. CIP Codes are assigned by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). These CIP Codes are given by NCES to track, assess and report fields of study and program completions activity. Per 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.

STEM Field Programs & International Students

STEM programs, who want to ensure international students qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT), should ensure their degrees qualify. The Department of Homeland Security maintains a complete list of fields that fall within the regulatory definition of “STEM field” that qualifies certain degrees to fulfill the F-1 Visa STEM OPT extension requirement. This list is known as the STEM Designated Degree Program list [pdf]. The Department of Education’s Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) taxonomy system serves as the basis for the STEM OPT extension. For additional resources, visit the DHS website.

PeopleSoft Academic Plan Codes

When new programs, including degrees, concentrations, minors, certificates, are approved by the University and the Chancellor's Office when applicable, they are entered into the Student Information System - PeopleSoft - with a new Academic Plan code (XXXXYYYZZ).

  • XXXX - The first four digits of the code refer to the name of the program (ADVR for Advertising, for example).
  • YYY - The subsequent three digits refer to the degree or program type (BA, BS, MA, MS, MSW, MIN for minor, etc.).
  • ZZ - The final two digits refers to the program level (1-undergraduate, 2-postbaccalaureate, 3-masters, 4-doctoral) and status (R-Remedial, T-Transitory, X-Special Session)

New Academic Plan codes are also created for programs revising their names. All students that have catalog rights to the prior curriculum are moved into a plan that begins with "X" and mirrors the original code name of the Academic Plan. The revised program name will then be applied to the existing Academic Plan code. Departments need to develop a communication strategy for students when revising program names. For more information and an example, contact the Curriculum Analyst.