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Hi Folks -

I am would appreciate some advice about how to talk with my administration about how they classify our PhD program in Science Education.

I am not sure if you are aware of CIP codes and how important they are for graduate students.  The system is described here: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cipcode/Default.aspx?y=56

The PhD program I direct is currently classified as an "education" program rather than as a "science" or "STEM" program. This has important ramifications for our PhD students, especially international ones. A student with a STEM degree can stay in the US longer post graduate than a student with other degree types.

Our PhD program in science education is located in the college of arts and sciences, is taught by faculty who have joint appointments in science departments, and requires a masters' degree in a science discipline. Degrees have sciences in their titles, e.g., "PhD in Science Education: Physics", "PhD in Science Education: Chemistry".  In addition, many of our graduates go on to take faculty positions in science departments. 

I am trying to understand how similar PhD programs in science education are classified and whether there is any guidance about how to make these classifications.