Whitewater University of California · San Jose
Bay Area Admissions at WUC
Explore your next chapter in the San Francisco Bay Area. Compare programs at WUC’s San Jose campus, review entry requirements and tuition, and discuss your education and language background with Admissions.
Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine · Computer Science · Massage Therapy
Programs you can apply to at WUC
Pick the route that matches your current education. Not sure? Talk to an admissions counselor.
OPTION A
Master of Science in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (MSAHM)
Degree-seeking — English or Chinese track, 42 months — 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
Master of Science in Computer Science Engineering (MSCSE)
Degree-seeking — 14 months
- You hold a bachelor’s degree in any field; applicants whose degree is not in Computer Science or Computer Engineering complete designated prerequisite courses or pass challenge exams
- 36 semester credits — offered in English only
- Average study length: 14 months
OPTION C
Massage Therapy Certificate Program
Certificate program — 520 clock hours, approx. 4 months
- You hold a high-school diploma or its recognized equivalent (such as a GED)
- 520 clock hours of in-person instruction, designed to be completed in approximately 14 weeks (about 4 months)
- Prepares you to pursue CAMTC certification as a Certified Massage Therapist (CMT)
The California Acupuncture Board also recognizes a Board-approved tutorial program and equivalent foreign training as routes to the licensing exam; these are not WUC programs — see acupuncture.ca.gov.
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
Explore the Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (MSAHM) program, review entry requirements, and discuss your goals with Admissions. The curriculum prepares graduates for the California acupuncture licensing examination. Licensure requires meeting all applicable Board requirements.
Admissions can help you understand the program and prepare your application. Our team can:
- 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
Contact Admissions to discuss your previous education, language track, and questions about studying at WUC.
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
Ask Admissions about current class sizes and the academic support available in your program.
Prime Silicon Valley
Visit our San Jose campus at 3150 Almaden Expressway, Suite 111. Attend an open house to learn about the school and ask questions before applying.
Community Impact
The WUC TCM Medical Center connects supervised student learning with community service. Visit the Medical Center page for current services and appointment information.
MSAHM Admission Requirements
Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a U.S. Department of Education–recognized accredited institution (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.
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 2.5.
- Verification: Official transcripts (sent directly from the issuing institution) must be received before admission is finalized and the Enrollment Agreement is signed by the Registrar.
- 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.
- Prerequisite background: Applicants without a CS/CE bachelor’s degree complete designated prerequisite courses or pass challenge exams.
- Academic standing: Good academic standing at the last institution attended.
- Legal residency: Legal residency documentation (B1/B2 not accepted).
- English proficiency (non-native speakers): TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 105, Cambridge FCE/CAE grade C, CEFR B2, or PTE Academic 53 — or two years of full-time study in English in the U.S.
- Foreign degrees: NACES or AICE course-by-course evaluation.
Admission Steps
All applicants must complete the following steps before receiving final admission and the Registrar’s signature on the Enrollment Agreement:
- Educational Background Verification — submit official transcripts (and a credential evaluation report for foreign academic records).
- Distance Education Orientation — mandatory for all applicants.
- Distance Education Readiness Exam — taken after the DE Orientation.
- Technology and Readiness Assessment — internet access, devices, time management and basic computer literacy.
- Chinese Language Interview — Chinese-track MSAHM applicants only.
- English Placement Assessment — applicants whose primary language is not English.
- General Admissions Interview — individual interview with a university representative.
You will be notified in writing within two weeks of your interview. Admission is not finalized until all steps have been successfully completed and the Enrollment Agreement is signed by the Registrar.
Transfer applicants: Priority application deadlines — Fall: May 1, Spring: September 1, Summer: March 1. Up to 50% of program credits may be transferred for equivalent coursework completed with a grade of B or higher; no transfer-credit fee.
2026 semester start dates: Spring — January 4 · Summer — May 3 · Fall — August 30
Application Checklist
A $150 application fee applies to all degree programs (refundable only if you cancel within three business days of signing the Enrollment Agreement and before attending class).
Master of Science in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (MSAHM)
Documents needed BEFORE admission
- Application Form
- Application Fee — $150 (refundable only if you cancel within three business days of signing the Enrollment Agreement and before attending class)
Documents required before admission is finalized
- Recent photo
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume
- 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)
- Two letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, colleagues, or healthcare professionals (signed across the sealed envelope flap and mailed directly by the evaluator)
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (sent from original sources)
- Proof of legal residency (U.S. passport, Green Card, or other valid status)
- Credential evaluation report (NACES/AICE) for degrees earned outside the U.S.
Quick links: Apply Online · Program details · (408) 913-9393 · grad-admissions@wuc.edu
Master of Science in Computer Science Engineering (MSCSE)
Documents needed BEFORE admission
- Application for Admission
- Application Fee
Documents required before admission is finalized
- Recent photo
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, or colleagues (signed across the sealed envelope flap and mailed directly by the evaluator)
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (sent from original sources)
- Proof of legal residency (U.S. passport, Green Card, or other valid status)
- Credential evaluation report (NACES/AICE) for degrees earned outside the U.S.
Quick links: Apply Online · Program details · (408) 913-9393 · grad-admissions@wuc.edu
Massage Therapy Certificate Program
Documents
- Application for Admission
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of high-school completion (diploma, GED, or equivalent)
Language
- Chinese cohort — Chinese-language interview, minimum 70%
- English cohort — WUC English placement test (50 multiple-choice questions + interview)
Quick links: Apply Online · (408) 913-9393 · grad-admissions@wuc.edu
English placement assessment is part of the MSAHM admission procedure; students whose results indicate the need enroll in one semester of in-house ESL coursework.
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 · 196 credit hours · 3,450 program hours |
| MSCSE Computer Science Engineering | US $11,880 | $330 / unit | 14 months · 36 credits |
Ready to Apply?
Review your program’s requirements and prepare the requested documents before completing the official online application. Admissions can help if you have questions.
Distance-education courses available only to students physically located in California.
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: MSAHM Program · MSCSE Program · ESL Program · Academic Overview · TCM Medical Center
Choose your next step
Ask about your qualifications, meet the school, or start your application when you are ready.
San Francisco Bay Area · San Jose campus
Plan your education close to home.
Explore WUC from anywhere in the Bay Area. Our campus and teaching clinic are at 3150 Almaden Expressway, Suite 111, San Jose, CA 95118. Prospective students from the South Bay, East Bay, Peninsula and San Francisco can arrange a campus visit and discuss program requirements with Admissions.
Compare your program
Review curriculum, language requirements and tuition before choosing a degree or certificate.
Compare WUC programs →Plan your schedule
Ask about the next intake, current class timetable and required in-person learning before planning your commute. WUC distance-education courses are available only while students are physically in California.
Review admission requirements →Visit San Jose
Contact Admissions to arrange a visit and confirm office availability. Administration hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00–18:00; weekends by appointment.
Arrange a campus visit →Questions before you apply
Questions from Bay Area applicants
Can I discuss my qualifications before applying?
Yes. Contact grad-admissions@wuc.edu or (408) 913-9393 to discuss your previous education, program choice, language track and required documents.
Where should Bay Area applicants start?
Compare WUC programs, review tuition and fees, and arrange a San Jose campus visit. Then prepare the documents listed below before submitting the official application.
What if my previous degree was earned outside the United States?
Applicants with foreign academic records need a course-by-course evaluation by a NACES or AICE member agency, along with the other required documents. Admissions can explain the documentation process.
Can I take distance-education courses outside California?
WUC distance-education courses are available only to students physically located in California while participating. Ask Admissions to confirm eligibility before enrolling.
What should I include in an initial admissions inquiry?
Tell Admissions the program you are considering, your prior degree or education, language preference, approximate location in the Bay Area and preferred intake. Ask which documents and assessments apply before submitting the formal application.
How can I check the next intake and class schedule?
Ask Admissions about the current intake for your selected program and language track, class timetable and required campus or clinic sessions. Transfer priority dates on this page do not confirm an available seat or current cohort.
What should I ask before planning my commute?
Confirm the dates and times of in-person learning and clinical training, then check your route to 3150 Almaden Expressway, Suite 111, San Jose. Use the campus-visit checklist before committing to a commute.
Page updated October 12, 2026. Confirm the current intake, timetable and fee schedule with Admissions before making arrangements.