Applying to Five Branches
Once you have made a decision to enroll in the Five Branches TCM Masters program you are now ready to begin the application process.
Priority application dates
Applications are reviewed throughout the year on a priority status basis. A priority status application process gives preference to early applicants. Entering classes are formed on a semester basis, occurring in Spring and Fall. To ensure space in an entering class, please apply by the priority application dates listed below. If all entering class spaces have been filled, you will receive priority status for the following semester.
Priority Application Dates
Fall Semester May 01
Spring Semester October 01
Educational requirements
All applicants must have fulfilled the minimum education requirements of 60 semester units of general education from a regionally accredited degree-granting college or university, with a minimum of 2.5 GPA.
Up to 30 semester credits of general education may be earned through successful testing assessment using a combination of different acceptable assessment modalities such as: College Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Programs (CLEP), American College Testing Proficiency Program (ACT/PEP), and U.S. Armed Forces Institute Programs (USAFI). Please be informed that although you may be awarded credit for these prior learning assessments for our purposes, some state licensing agencies may not accept these credits as they were awarded by non-regionally accredited institutions.
For applicants who have not completed an AA degree or higher the following General Education requirements must be met:
| General Education Requirements | Minimum Semester Units |
| Communications: One course in English composition with critical thinking |
3 |
| Arts and Humanities: At least two courses from different departments including Art, Music, Theatre Arts, Literature, language, Philosophy, History, etc. |
6 |
| Math: At least one course College Algebra or higher |
3 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences: |
6 |
| Electives | 42 |
| Total | 60 |
If you prefer to apply before you have met the educational requirements, the Admissions Department will provide pre-qualification counseling services to assist you with the necessary steps to become eligible for the TCM Masters program.
Non Degree-Seeking Applicants (NDS)
Five Branches University will consider Non Degree-Seeking Applicants. These include students participating in the California Acupuncture Board approved tutorial program, licensed acupuncturists, medical doctors and other health professionals who may be seeking to meet an educational objective, other than the Master’s degree. NDS students will receive an official transcript showing coursework that has been successfully completed. NDS students may take up to 50% of the Master’s degree program; they may also elect to become a degree-seeking student at any time. In this case, coursework successfully completed at Five Branches will be applied toward the degree. NDS students must follow the same application and admissions procedures as required of degree-seeking students. NDS students are not eligible for Federal Financial Aid.
Completing the application:
To be considered for admission to Five Branches University, the following items are required:
- Application for Admission - Use your full legal name on all admissions documents. The campus you prefer should be clearly indicated on the application form. If your choice of campuses is undetermined, mail your application package to the Santa Cruz campus.
- Recent photograph – One passport style photograph.
- Statement of Purpose - A one-page, typed essay describing your background, how you became interested in TCM and your plans beyond graduation.
- Resume - An up-to-date resume listing all previous education, job experience, accomplishments and volunteer work.
- Application fee – A non-refundable application fee of $45.00, payable in check or money order.
- Health Evaluation -The course of study at Five Branches University includes clinical training. In order to ensure that safety precautions are maintained in the Five Branches clinics and to maintain a healthy environment on campus, we require the completion of a Health Evaluation. This health evaluation must be signed by a qualified primary health care practitioner.
- Hepatitis B Vaccination form – Due to possible occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials we recommend receiving a Hepatitis B vaccination. A copy of this immunization record must be provided. If vaccination is declined, a waiver form must be signed.
- Tuberculosis Test- Tuberculosis is a common, and often, deadly infectious disease caused by mycobacterium. It usually attacks the lungs but can also affect other body systems. Tuberculosis is spread through the air, when people who have the disease, cough, sneeze or spit. To ensure the maintenance of safety precautions in the Five Branches clinic we require all applicants to have a Tuberculosis test prior to enrollment in the Masters program.
Supporting documents-sent separately:
- Two letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, colleagues and/or healthcare professionals – References should list how long they have known you and in what capacity. They should state your strengths and character traits and why they recommend your admission to Five Branches University. Recommendation letters must be sent directly from the individual, to the Admissions office at the Five Branches campus you are applying to.
- Official transcripts of all college and/or university coursework. – Academic transcripts must be sent directly from the institution, to the attention of the Admissions office at the Five Branches campus you are applying to.
Campus Addresses
San Jose campus applicants Five Branches University-San Jose |
Santa Cruz campus applicants Five Branches University- Santa Cruz Attention: Admissions Office |