Major Field of Study – Classification
of Instructional Programs (CIP)

Modified on March 9, 2010

Part A - Plain language definition:

Main subject area of the person's highest certificate, diploma or degree after high school.

Part B - Detailed definition:

Refers to the predominant discipline or area of learning or training of a person's highest postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP [Canada 2000]) major field of study classification structure consists of 13 major categories or primary groupings, 12 of which are used for the census (the category which includes courses in personal development is not used). The 12 primary groupings are: education; visual and performing arts, and communications technologies; humanities; social and behavioural sciences and law; business, management and public administration; physical and life sciences and technologies; mathematics, computer and information sciences; architecture, engineering and related technologies; agriculture, natural resources and conservation; health, parks, recreation and fitness; personal, protective and transportation services; other.

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