Overview
Each course in Canvas has identifiers that help Canvas and other systems recognize the correct course.
Two commonly used identifiers are:
- Canvas Course ID: A unique numerical identifier automatically assigned by Canvas.
- SIS Course ID: An identifier used to associate a Canvas course with a course record in the College's Student Information System (SIS).
At Cedar Crest College, the SIS is Jenzabar One.
You may be asked to provide one of these identifiers when configuring a third-party application, troubleshooting a course integration, or requesting technical assistance.
Important: The Canvas Course ID and SIS Course ID are different identifiers and are not interchangeable.
1. Find Your Canvas Course ID
The Canvas Course ID is a numerical value assigned automatically when a course is created in Canvas.
Steps
- Sign in to Cedar Crest College Canvas.
- Open the course you want to identify.
- Look at the web address (URL) in your browser's address bar.
Your course URL will look similar to:
https://cedarcrest.instructure.com/courses/12345
In this example, 12345 is the Canvas Course ID.
The number immediately following /courses/ identifies the course within Canvas.
When Is the Canvas Course ID Used?
You may need this identifier when:
- Connecting certain third-party applications to Canvas.
- Troubleshooting course integrations.
- Requesting technical assistance.
- Working with Canvas APIs or other administrative tools.
Note: The Canvas Course ID is not necessarily the same as the course number displayed in your academic schedule.
2. Find Your SIS Course ID
The SIS Course ID identifies a course for integration with the College's Student Information System.
At Cedar Crest College, SIS identifiers help associate Canvas courses with information originating from Jenzabar One.
Steps
- Sign in to Canvas.
- Open the appropriate course.
- Select Settings from the Course Navigation menu.
- Select the Course Details tab, if it is not already displayed.
- Locate the field labeled SIS ID.
The value displayed in this field is the SIS Course ID associated with the Canvas course.
Important: The SIS ID field may not be visible to all users. Visibility depends on Canvas permissions and institutional configuration.
If you cannot locate the SIS ID, submit an IT Support Request and provide the course name and Canvas Course ID.
3. Canvas Course ID vs. SIS Course ID
| Identifier |
Description |
Where to Find It |
| Canvas Course ID |
Unique numerical identifier generated by Canvas |
Course URL, after /courses/ |
| SIS Course ID |
Identifier used to associate the Canvas course with the College's SIS |
Course Settings > Course Details > SIS ID, if visible |
| Course Code |
Course identifier or label displayed within Canvas |
Course Settings > Course Details |
Example
A course may have the following information:
- Course Name: Introduction to Psychology
- Canvas Course URL:
https://cedarcrest.instructure.com/courses/12345
- Canvas Course ID:
12345
- SIS Course ID:
2026FA-PSY101-01
- Course Code:
PSY101-01
These are examples only. Actual Cedar Crest College course identifiers may use different formats.
4. Which Course ID Should I Use?
The correct identifier depends on the application or process requesting it.
| Situation |
Identifier to Use |
| An application requests the Canvas Course ID |
Canvas Course ID |
| An application requests the SIS Course ID |
SIS Course ID |
| An integration requires a Canvas course URL |
Full Canvas course URL |
| IT Support needs to identify a Canvas course |
Canvas Course ID and course name |
| An application requests a course code |
Course Code, unless its instructions specify otherwise |
Important: Do not assume that an application requesting a "Course ID" requires the SIS Course ID. Check the application's instructions or contact IT Support before entering the identifier.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Canvas Course ID the same as my course number?
No. The Canvas Course ID is an internal numerical identifier generated by Canvas.
Your academic course number or course code identifies the course for academic and scheduling purposes.
Can two Canvas courses have the same Canvas Course ID?
No. Each Canvas course has its own unique Canvas Course ID within the Canvas environment.
Can I change my Canvas Course ID?
No. Canvas automatically generates this identifier when the course is created.
Can I change my SIS Course ID?
SIS Course IDs are generally managed through institutional integrations and administrative processes.
Instructors should not attempt to modify SIS identifiers without guidance from IT Support.
Why can't I see the SIS ID in Course Settings?
Canvas may restrict visibility of SIS identifiers based on user permissions.
If the field is unavailable, contact IT Support.
What if my course has been copied from a previous semester?
A newly created Canvas course receives its own Canvas Course ID, even when content has been copied from another course.
The SIS Course ID is associated with the specific course record and may also differ between semesters.
When configuring third-party integrations, verify that you are using the identifiers for the correct course and term.
Need Additional Assistance?
If you need help identifying a course or configuring a third-party Canvas integration, submit an IT Support Request.
Include:
- The course name.
- The semester or term.
- The Canvas course URL, if available.
- The name of the application or integration requesting the identifier.
- Any relevant error messages or screenshots.
This information will help IT Support identify the correct course and assist with the integration.