Acupuncture School Admission in California
Begin your acupuncture school admission in California at Whitewater University of California — a nonprofit acupuncture school in San Jose serving the Bay Area & Silicon Valley. Three pathways to the California acupuncture license: MSAHM degree, Tutorial Program, and Bridge Program.
Three Pathways for Acupuncture School Admission in California
Pick the route that matches your current education. Not sure? Talk to an admissions counselor.
OPTION A · RECOMMENDED
Master of Science in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (MSAHM)
Degree-seeking — California acupuncture license pathway
- You hold a baccalaureate degree or above
- Earn varied clinical experience at the WUC TCM Medical Center — which offers free acupuncture & TCM treatments to Bay Area residents
- Average study length: 42 months
- Qualifies you to sit the California Acupuncture Board (CAB) license exam
OPTION B
Tutorial Program
Non-degree seeking — apprenticeship route
- You do not yet have a college degree
- You hold a high school diploma or above
- Work with a California-licensed acupuncturist who has at least 10 years of experience
- Must complete courses designated by the California Acupuncture Board (CAB)
- Average study length: 5 years
OPTION C
Bridge Program
Non-degree seeking — for out-of-state & international TCM degree holders
- You hold a TCM or Oriental Medicine degree from another U.S. state or overseas country
- Must complete courses designated by the California Acupuncture Board (CAB)
- Average study length: 1 year
Note on distance education: Distance-education courses at Whitewater University of California are available only to students who are physically located in the State of California while participating in those courses. Students physically located outside California are not currently eligible for WUC distance-education courses.
Admission Guide
Welcome to Whitewater University
At Whitewater University, we are dedicated to guiding you on your path to a rewarding career in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (MSAHM). Our master’s program prepares you to qualify for the California acupuncture license and opens the door to opportunities as a professional acupuncturist.
We value and welcome students from diverse academic backgrounds and life experiences. From your first inquiry to graduation, we are here to:
- Answer your questions and provide clear guidance
- Support you in meeting all administrative and academic requirements
- Assist you at every step toward earning your master’s degree at WUC
Your journey toward a fulfilling TCM career begins here — and we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Ready to start?
Apply online through our admissions form. Our counselor reviews submissions within 1 business day.
Why Choose Whitewater University?
Nonprofit Excellence
Whitewater is a nonprofit institution with a proud history of educating engineers, software developers, and healthcare professionals in TCM, acupuncture, and herbal medicine across the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley.
Expert Faculty
Our TCM faculty bring more than 30 years of combined clinical experience. Many of our Computer Science & Engineering faculty also work at leading Silicon Valley companies, including Apple Inc., bringing real-world expertise into the classroom.
Personalized Learning
96% of our classes have fewer than 15 students. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and an environment where students thrive.
Prime Silicon Valley
Our campus is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, right next to Apple Park in Cupertino, California — direct exposure to one of the world’s most innovative regions.
Community Impact
Through the WUC TCM Medical Center, we provide free TCM diagnosis, acupuncture, and alternative treatments to Bay Area residents — improving community health and access to care.
MSAHM Admission Requirements
Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a U.S. Department of Education–recognized accredited institution (or foreign equivalent). Minimum overall GPA of 2.75.
Credit by Examination: Up to 30 general-education credits may be earned through College Advanced Placement, the College Level Examination Program, the American College Testing Proficiency Examination Program, or United States Armed Forces Institute courses. (Some state licensing agencies may not accept non-regionally-accredited credits.)
General Education (if you do not hold an associate degree or higher):
- English Composition with Critical Thinking — 3 credits
- Two Arts & Humanities courses from different departments — 6 credits
- College Algebra or higher — 3 credits
- General Psychology — 3 credits
- One Social Sciences course — 3 credits
Contact the WUC Admissions Office for a list of approved transferable courses.
MSCSE Admission Requirements
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from a U.S. Department of Education–recognized accredited institution (or foreign equivalent). Minimum overall GPA of 2.75.
- Verification: Degree conferral will be verified by WUC; official transcripts must be submitted within 30 days of enrollment.
- Testing: GRE and GMAT scores are not required.
- Prerequisites: Students must complete all prerequisites before the term begins. If not completed, they must be fulfilled prior to starting the degree program.
Application Checklist
A non-refundable $150 application fee applies to all degree programs.
Master of Science in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (MSAHM)
Documents needed BEFORE admission
- Application Form
- Application Fee — $150
Documents needed within 30 days of admission
- Recent photo
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume
- Health Evaluation signed by a qualified primary health-care practitioner
- Hepatitis B Vaccination or Waiver Form
- Tuberculosis Test
- Two letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, colleagues, or healthcare professionals (sent from original sources)
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (sent from original sources)
Quick links: Apply Online · Program details · (408) 913-9393 · admin@wuc.edu
Master of Science in Computer Science Engineering (MSCSE)
Documents needed BEFORE admission
- Application for Admission
- Application Fee
Documents needed within 30 days of admission
- Recent photo
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, colleagues, or healthcare professionals (sent from original sources)
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (sent from original sources)
Quick links: Apply Online · Program details · (408) 913-9393 · admin@wuc.edu
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Documents needed BEFORE admission
- High-school diploma or equivalent — or higher degree from any U.S. accredited institution
- Transcripts of completed high-school (or above) courses, including anticipated final grades and supporting documents such as awarded diplomas
- Study plan outlining previous education and experience, with a photocopy of educational transcripts and supporting documents
Documents needed within 30 days of admission
- Proficiency test (administered during orientation — allows instructors to better assist your learning in the WUC ESL program)
Quick links: Apply Online · Program details · (408) 913-9393 · admin@wuc.edu
The learning equipment here is very advanced. The teachers are serious in class — there are large and small classes — and I like the atmosphere of this school. I love the environment here too.
— Hailong Chiu, MSCSE Alumni, Class of 2020
Tuition & Length of Program
Whitewater University of California offers master’s degree programs, ESL courses, and certificate/training programs. The figures below summarize tuition and length of study; visit each program page for the full schedule.
| Program | Tuition | Per-unit cost | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSAHM Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine | US $51,525 | $225 / theory unit · $450 / clinic unit | 42 months · 195 credit hours · 3,450 program hours |
| MSCSE Computer Science Engineering | US $11,880 | $330 / unit | 14 months · 36 credits |
Ready to Apply?
Whitewater University welcomes applications from students across the country. Submit the official admission form online — it takes about 10 minutes.
Distance-education courses available only to students physically located in California.
Talk to Us
Admission Office
(408) 913-9393
admin@wuc.edu
TCM Medical Center
(408) 822-9355
clinic@wuc.edu
Campus Address
3150 Almaden Expy., Suite 111
San Jose, CA 95118
Related: MSAHM Program · MSCSE Program · ESL Program · Academic Overview · TCM Medical Center