Academic Degree Programs at Colorado Chinese Medicine University
Colorado Chinese Medicine University (CCMU) offers a comprehensive academic pathway in acupuncture and Chinese medicine, including master’s-level, entry-level professional doctoral, and post-professional doctoral programs.
Each degree is designed to serve a distinct stage of professional development, from entry-level clinical education to advanced doctoral-level practice and leadership.
Overview of Degree Levels
CCMU’s academic programs are structured across three primary degree levels:
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Master’s Degrees – Entry-level professional education preparing students for licensure
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Professional Doctoral Degrees – Doctoral entry-level education integrating advanced clinical training
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Post-Professional Doctoral Degrees – Advanced doctoral education for licensed practitioners
Degree Comparison Table
| Degree | Full Name | Degree Level | Intended Audience | Clinical Scope | Program Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAc | Master of Acupuncture | Master’s | Entry-level students | Acupuncture | Foundational clinical practice & licensure preparation |
| MAcCHM | Master of Acupuncture with Chinese Herbal Medicine | Master’s | Entry-level students | Acupuncture + Herbal Medicine | Integrated TCM clinical practice |
| DAc | Doctor of Acupuncture | professional doctorate | Entry-level doctoral students | Acupuncture | Doctoral-level clinical training |
| DAcCHM | Doctor of Acupuncture with Chinese Herbal Medicine | professional doctorate | Entry-level doctoral students | Acupuncture + Herbal Medicine | Integrated doctoral clinical practice |
| DAOM | Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine | Post-professional doctorate | Licensed practitioners | Advanced acupuncture & OM | Advanced clinical mastery & scholarly inquiry |
Which Degree Is Right for You?
If you are new to acupuncture and Chinese medicine
You may consider:
If you are seeking an entry-level doctoral degree
You may consider:
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DAc – Doctoral-level acupuncture education
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DAcCHM – Doctoral-level acupuncture with Chinese herbal medicine
These programs are designed for students who wish to begin their professional education at the doctoral level without completing a separate master’s program.
If you are a licensed practitioner seeking advanced training
You may consider:
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DAOM – Advanced, post-professional doctoral education emphasizing clinical mastery, classical theory, and research-informed inquiry
Key Distinctions Between Degree Types
Master’s vs. Professional Doctorate
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Master’s degrees focus on foundational professional training
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Professional doctorates provide entry-level education at the doctoral standard
Professional Doctorate vs. Post-Professional Doctorate
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Professional doctorates prepare students to enter professional practice
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Post-professional doctorates (DAOM) are designed for licensed practitioners seeking advanced clinical development
Explore Individual Degree Programs
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Master of Acupuncture with Chinese Herbal Medicine (MAcCHM) →
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Doctor of Acupuncture with Chinese Herbal Medicine (DAcCHM) →
Admissions and Academic Guidance
Prospective students are encouraged to review individual program pages and admissions requirements.
CCMU’s admissions team is available to provide guidance based on academic background, professional goals, and licensure pathways.
Program Structure and Study Format
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Trimester System:
- Each year consists of three 15-week trimesters.
- Trimesters begin in January, May, and late August/early September.
- Students have a total of 7 weeks off annually.
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Flexible Study Options:
- Accelerated Tracks
- Full-Time, Half-Time, and Part-Time
Continuing Education & Public Programs
- Continuing Education Units (CEU):
- Seminars/workshops for skill enhancement.
- Qualify for NCBAHM™(formerly known as NCCAOM) CEU credits for licensed acupuncturists.
- Public Classes:
- General workshops are available to the public.
Accreditation and Academic Recognition
- Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM), recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Approved by the Colorado Department of Education.
- Approved by NC-SARA for distance education.
- Approved to provide distance education by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).
- Accredited by Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE).
- A member of World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies.
- A member of Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine.
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