I have zero science background — can I really keep up?
Three natural science courses to have on the books — General Biology, Chemistry, and Physics — plus General Psychology (part of the general-education requirement, not a natural science) sounds intimidating if science was never your subject. That worry is a real and common one, not a sign you're the wrong fit: plenty of TCM students arrive from art, business, massage therapy, or nursing, not pre-med.
Here's the part that actually answers "can I keep up?": the three sciences may be taken concurrently with your TCM studies within the first two years of study, though completing them before entry is highly recommended.
| What's true | Detail |
|---|---|
| Courses required | General Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (each a minimum of three semester credits), plus General Psychology |
| Must all be done before enrolling? | No — may be taken concurrently with the TCM program within the first two years of study, though completing them before entry is highly recommended |
| Where they can be taken | The three natural science courses (General Biology, Chemistry, Physics) may be taken at Five Branches concurrently with TCM studies; General Psychology must be completed at a regionally accredited degree-granting college or university outside the school, in person or online (accreditation is what matters, not location) |
| Prior science background required? | Yes — applicants must complete these courses as a prerequisite. Human Anatomy and Human Physiology are not admission prerequisites. |
| Source | Five Branches Educational Requirements page, fivebranches.edu/dtcm-mtcm/admissions-masters/educational-requirements, revised 09/2026 |
So the honest shape of it: prior science background is indeed required and assumed — the three natural science courses, plus General Psychology, are a prerequisite, not an optional add-on. What softens that is the flexibility in how you get there: often one course at a time alongside your TCM coursework, at whatever pace fits — full-time or part-time. Missing one or two courses on day one doesn't block you from starting.
Is it the science specifically you're worried about, or more the pace of graduate study in general?
Sources
- Five Branches University — Educational Requirements checked 2026-08
- Five Branches University — published materials checked 2026-07
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