Master of Science · MSAHM
Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine Master’s in San Jose.
Study acupuncture and herbal medicine in the San Francisco Bay Area through WUC’s 42-month MSAHM degree, with English and Chinese language tracks and supervised clinical training in San Jose.
Your learning journey
From understanding to practice.
Build a foundation in Chinese medicine, develop practical skills, and bring your learning into supervised patient care.
Learn the foundations
Explore acupuncture, herbal medicine and Western medical sciences through classroom and laboratory learning.
Practice and observe
Connect theory with practical learning and observation as you develop your clinical understanding.
Care under supervision
Complete 1,005 hours of supervised clinical training as part of the MSAHM curriculum.
Plan your education
Clear costs.
A considered investment.
Published tuition of $51,525 helps you plan your education. Theory units are $225 each; clinical units are $450 each. Additional fees, books and living expenses are separate.
Review program requirements and fees ↓About the MSAHM Program
WUC’s Master of Science in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (MSAHM) is a 42-month program combining the foundations of Chinese medicine with classroom, laboratory, and supervised clinical learning.
Study Chinese medicine alongside Western medical sciences. Coursework covers acupuncture, herbal formulation, moxibustion, Asian bodywork, qigong, and nutrition.
The MSAHM program is approved by the California Acupuncture Board (CAB). Graduates must satisfy all applicable Board requirements, including passing the California Acupuncture Licensing Examination, to obtain a California acupuncture license. Eligibility for national certification must be confirmed directly with the relevant certification body before enrollment. WUC has not determined whether the MSAHM curriculum meets licensure requirements outside California; consult the relevant state board before enrolling.
Program Statement of Purpose: The Master of Science in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (MSAHM) program prepares compassionate, ethical, and competent practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine and integrative healthcare through rigorous academic study, clinical training, patient-centered care, and community service.
Curriculum at a glance: TCM Theory & Clinical Medicine (CM), Acupuncture (AP), Western Medicine (WM), Clinical Training (CL) — 2,445 lecture/lab hours + 1,005 clinical hours = 3,450 hours, 196 credits.
Quick Facts
- Length: 42 months (3,450 program hours · 196 semester credits)
- Tuition: US $51,525 total
- Per unit: $225 theory · $450 clinic
- Approval: California Acupuncture Board (CAB)
- Format: Two language tracks — English and Chinese (language proficiency requirements differ by track)
- Online: Hybrid format — 69.5 of 196 units may be taken online; all clinical training is on campus.
Questions? (408) 913-9393 · grad-admissions@wuc.edu
Why Choose MSAHM at Whitewater University?
Free TCM Clinic Training
Earn varied clinical hours at the WUC TCM Medical Center, which offers free acupuncture & TCM treatments to Bay Area residents — real patients, real cases, real responsibility.
86% First-Time License Pass Rate
In July–December 2025, 6 of 7 WUC first-time candidates passed the California acupuncture licensing exam (86%). Read the California Acupuncture Board report (PDF). This result describes that group and period and does not guarantee an individual outcome.
Affordable Tuition
Plan your costs with published tuition: $225 per theory unit and $450 per clinical unit, totaling $51,525. Review the additional fees below before applying.
Bay Area Job Placement
WUC partners with TCM clinics across the Bay Area to place new licensed acupuncturists. We help alumni launch their careers without the burden of building a clinic from scratch. Career Services assists graduates with resumes, job leads and interview preparation at no charge; WUC cannot guarantee employment.
English Proficiency
English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 61+, IELTS 6.0+, two years of full-time study in English, or the WUC English placement test (50 multiple-choice questions + interview). Students who need extra support take one semester of in-house ESL coursework.
Two Language Tracks & Flexible
Offered in two language tracks — English and Chinese (language proficiency requirements differ by track). Many MSAHM classes are available online — designed for working professionals.
MSAHM Admission Requirements
Education Background: All applicants must hold a minimum of a baccalaureate degree or equivalent from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (or foreign equivalent).
Challenge Examination: students may petition for credit for one course per department (excluding Clinical Training) by challenge examination. Passing score 70%; each course may be challenged once; $100 per course.
Natural Science Requirements: General Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology. Biology, Chemistry and Physics are strongly recommended before enrollment; the rest may be completed concurrently during the first two years of the program.
Legal residency: proof of U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or other valid status permitting study (B1/B2 not accepted).
English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 61+, IELTS 6.0+, two years of study in English, or the WUC placement test.
Chinese Track: Chinese-language interview with a minimum score of 70%.
Foreign degrees: course-by-course evaluation by a NACES or AICE member agency.
Clinical training requirements: Tuberculosis clearance (PPD skin test or QuantiFERON TB Gold) — before enrollment. Health Evaluation signed by a primary health-care practitioner and Hepatitis B vaccination record (or waiver) — before entering clinical training (Clinic 3 and above).
Pre-qualification counseling: If you’d like to know whether you meet the educational requirements before applying, contact the admissions department — we’ll guide you through the steps to become eligible.
Tuition & Length of Program
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total tuition | US $51,525 |
| Theory units | $225 per unit |
| Clinic units | $450 per unit |
| Semester average | about $3,000 |
| Length of study | about 42 months (full-time) |
| Program scope | 3,450 program hours · 196 semester credit hours |
| Application fee | $150 (refundable only if you cancel within three business days of signing the Enrollment Agreement and before attending class) |
| Books (estimated) | $1,500 |
| Student service fee | $30 per semester |
| Graduation fee | $390 ($100 if no ceremony) |
| Installment plan | $50 per installment after the first |
| Tuition + estimated books + application fee | $53,175 |
Application Documentation
- Application Form for Admission — apply online or download the PDF
- Recent photograph
- Statement of Purpose — one-page typed essay describing your background, how you became interested in TCM, and your plans beyond graduation
- Resume — up-to-date, listing previous education, work experience, accomplishments, and volunteer work
- Application fee — $150 (refundable only if you cancel within three business days of signing the Enrollment Agreement and before attending class)
- Two Letters of Recommendation — provide the form to teachers, employers, colleagues, and/or healthcare professionals (sealed and mailed directly by the recommender)
- Official transcripts from all college / institute coursework (sent directly from the issuing institution)
- Credential evaluation (NACES/AICE) for degrees earned outside the U.S.
- Proof of U.S. legal presence — green card, U.S. passport, or other supporting documents
Need to talk first? Admission Office: (408) 913-9393 · grad-admissions@wuc.edu · or visit Admission Guide.
What Our Students Say
“The school is a non-profit organization that prioritizes the needs of its students. It hires top-notch instructors and carefully designs its courses with great attention to detail. The attached clinic is also dedicated to serving the community — offering affordable services with thorough examinations. I wholeheartedly recommend it.”
— Kate Lin
Google Review
“It’s very rare to find an organization as devoted to students and the community as Whitewater. Setup as a non-profit, Whitewater has recruited qualified teachers in the Bay Area to teach its students in a small classroom setting. For someone without a background in TCM and a beginner in Chinese, I can’t imagine a more supportive environment than Whitewater.”
— Ruiping Zhao
MSAHM Student
“I took Dr. Huang’s class (traditional Chinese medicine related class). I’m so impressed by his teaching approaches — simple, easy-to-understand, even for complicated content. Most of all, Dr. Huang believes it’s more important to be a moral doctor, considering from patients’ side. He is the role model of both moral doctor and knowledgeable instructor.”
— Mina Kang
MSAHM Student
Apply for MSAHM Today
Ready to apply? Review the required documents, then complete the online admissions form. Contact Admissions if you would like help first.
Talk to Us
Admission Office
(408) 913-9393
grad-admissions@wuc.edu
TCM Medical Center
(408) 822-9355
tcmclinic@wuc.edu
Campus Address
3150 Almaden Expy., Suite 111
San Jose, CA 95118
Related: Admission · MSCSE · ESL · Academic Overview · TCM Medical Center · CEU
Your next chapter
Come meet WUC.
Ask about your qualifications, explore the program and plan a visit with Admissions.
Plan for the full cost of attendance
Published tuition covers program tuition. Books are estimates. Student service fees are charged each semester; graduation, installment and other applicable fees are separate. Living expenses, transport and any prerequisite coursework are also separate. Ask Admissions for an itemized estimate for your study plan and refer to the current catalog and enrollment agreement.
MSAHM tuition + application fee + estimated books: $53,175 ($51,525 + $150 + $1,500). MSCSE tuition + application fee + estimated books: $12,430 ($11,880 + $150 + $400). These subtotals exclude other applicable fees.
Review tuition, other fees and refund information →Questions before you apply
Questions from Bay Area applicants
Can I apply without prior Chinese medicine training?
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized institution. Review the natural-science prerequisites, language assessment and documentation with Admissions. See the full entry requirements.
How long is the program, and how much is tuition?
The full-time MSAHM pathway is about 42 months, with 196 credits and 3,450 program hours, including 1,005 supervised clinical hours. Tuition is $51,525; additional fees, books and living expenses are separate. Review the fee schedule.
How do I choose the English or Chinese track?
Discuss your language background with Admissions. The Chinese track requires a Chinese-language interview with a minimum score of 70%; English proficiency is assessed under the published admission requirements.
Does graduation automatically give me an acupuncture license?
The MSAHM program is approved by the California Acupuncture Board. Graduates must satisfy applicable Board requirements and pass the licensing examination. WUC has not determined whether its curriculum meets licensure requirements outside California. Review approval and licensure information.
How can a Bay Area applicant plan classes and clinic travel?
Arrange a San Jose campus visit and ask Admissions about the current timetable, required in-person sessions and clinical training. Online coursework is available only while students are physically in California.
Does choosing the Chinese track remove the English requirements?
Do not assume that it does. The published MSAHM requirements list an English-proficiency assessment and a Chinese interview score of at least 70% for the Chinese track. Discuss your language background and the assessment route with Admissions before applying. Review the published requirements.
Can I plan this degree around my Bay Area work schedule?
Ask Admissions for the current timetable, required classroom and laboratory sessions, clinical training hours and the available intake for your language track. Confirm these before making work or travel arrangements. Prepare for a campus visit.
Page updated October 12, 2026. Confirm the current intake, timetable and fee schedule with Admissions before making arrangements.