Five Branches University

Five Branches University is a private university based in California with campuses in Santa Cruz and San Jose. Founded in 1984, the institution focuses on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture, and integrative medicine. It offers graduate-level programs including master’s and doctoral degrees in acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Oriental medicine. Five Branches University is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. The university attracts students interested in holistic healthcare, integrative clinical practice, and cross-cultural medical traditions. Its programs combine classical Chinese medical theory with Western biomedical sciences, preparing graduates for professional licensure and clinical practice in acupuncture and related fields.

Five Branches University was founded on February 4, 1984, in Santa Cruz, California, with the mission of providing formal education in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the United States. Established during a period of growing interest in acupuncture and integrative health care, Five Branches University began as a small TCM college and enrolled its first class shortly after receiving approval as a degree-granting institution in California. In 2005, Five Branches University expanded by opening a second campus in San Jose, strengthening its presence in Northern California. The San Jose campus later relocated in 2016 to a larger facility on Lundy Avenue. Over time, Five Branches University developed graduate and doctoral programs in acupuncture and Oriental medicine and gained accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. Today, Five Branches University continues to focus on clinical education, integrative medicine, and professional training in Chinese medical traditions.