International Studies

Students of the Doctoral program will have the opportunity to earn a Ph.D. degree in China, as part of a joint program with Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (ZCMU). Studies completed in the Doctoral program are transferable to the ZCMU Ph.D. program, allowing doctoral students to earn a Ph.D. from a China TCM University with only one additional year of study in China. This Ph.D. degree is recognized by the Chinese government and US credential review agencies as equivalent to a Ph.D. degree in the US. Having Ph.D. credentials will allow doctoral graduates the opportunity to obtain grants and teaching positions in American universities.

Admissions Process

Students must indicate their interest in enrollment in the China Ph.D. program at time of enrollment in the DAOM program. Applicants must submit a photocopy of the picture page of his/her passport and a completed Application form to the Ph.D. program of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University. A non-refundable application fee of US $20 is collected by Five Branches University on behalf of ZCMU. Students who have applied to the Ph.D. program may withdraw their application at any time.

Specialization Opportunities

During the year of study at the ZCMU, students can choose from two specializations, TCM Internal Medicine or TCM Clinical Foundations.  

Period of Study

Applicants to the Ph.D. program should make a campus visit to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, prior to the end of the 2nd year (4th semester) of the DAOM program. During this visit you will choose a research direction, a Ph.D. supervisor, and a dissertation topic. In the first year of the Ph.D. program applicants should visit Zhejiang Chinese Medical University at least twice, in the beginning of the year for the Proposal, and at the end of the year for the Dissertation Oral Defense. Each visit should be a minimum of one month or longer.

Tuition

The tuition for the ZCMU Ph.D. program is approximately $10, 000, paid to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University. This covers research expenses, Ph.D. advisor fees, and clinical training.

If you are interested in enrolling in the Ph.D. program contact the Doctoral Program Director.