Set in Pomona's walkable core, Western University of Health Sciences brings future caregivers together across human and animal health. The university is known for team-based learning, simulation labs, anatomy and skills spaces, and on-campus patient-care centers where students learn alongside faculty. Students find advising, tutoring, counseling, and career guidance, plus a health sciences library, quiet study spots, and fitness and wellness spaces. It feels focused and professional, but friendly. People hold doors and swap study tips in the hallway.
Student life leans collaborative: interprofessional clubs, community health outreach, case discussions, and white coat moments that mark the journey. The culture has a reputation for humility and purpose, with plenty of Southern California sunshine to recharge. Career preparation centers on clinical placements, preceptor connections, and a strong regional network. Pomona's artsy downtown, local clinics, and nearby outdoor escapes offer hands-on experience and a breather when you need it.
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in California. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.
How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in California vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Health (15)
Most Graduates (89.9%)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
51.0401
Dentistry.
(Spec)
A program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of dentistry/dental medicine, encompassing the evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area, and adjacent structures and their impact on the human body and health. Includes instruction in the basic biomedical sciences, occlusion, dental health and prevention, oral pathology, cariology, operative dentistry, oral radiology, principles of the various dental specialties, pain management, oral medicine, clinic and health care management, patient counseling, and professional standards and ethics.
Graduate Career Earnings in California
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
California Avg |
CA vs US |
25-1071 |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary |
$137,900
|
$153,860
|
+$15,960 (+11.6%)
|
29-1021 |
Dentists, General |
$196,100
|
$226,630
|
+$30,530 (+15.6%)
|
51.0912
Physician Associate/Assistant.
(PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals to practice medicine, including diagnoses and treatment therapies, under the supervision of a physician. Includes instruction in the basic medical and clinical sciences and specialized preparation in fields such as family medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, general surgery, psychiatry, and behavioral medicine; the delivery of health care services to homebound patients, rural populations, and underserved populations; and community health services.
Graduate Career Earnings in California
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
California Avg |
CA vs US |
25-1071 |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary |
$137,900
|
$153,860
|
+$15,960 (+11.6%)
|
29-1071 |
Physician Assistants |
$136,900
|
$160,940
|
+$24,040 (+17.6%)
|
51.1199
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs, Other.
(PostBacCert)
Any instructional program in health and medical professional preparation not listed above.
Graduate Career Earnings in California
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
California Avg |
CA vs US |
99-9999 |
NO MATCH |
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
51.1202
Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy.
(Spec)
A program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of osteopathic medicine, involving a combination of medical principles and procedures and osteopathic principles of holistic medicine and the relationship of the musculoskeletal system to general health. Includes instruction in the basic medical sciences, preventive medicine, family and community medicine, medical informatics, disease systems, organ and physiologic systems, osteopathic principles and practice, osteopathic manipulative treatment, musculoskeletal and skin systems, clinical specialty rotations, medical ethics, and professional standards and practice management.
Graduate Career Earnings in California
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
California Avg |
CA vs US |
29-1211 |
Anesthesiologists |
$336,640
|
$396,180
|
+$59,540 (+17.7%)
|
29-1212 |
Cardiologists |
$432,490
|
$356,540
|
-$75,950 (-17.6%)
|
29-1213 |
Dermatologists |
$347,810
|
$313,320
|
-$34,490 (-9.9%)
|
29-1214 |
Emergency Medicine Physicians |
$320,700
|
$331,140
|
+$10,440 (+3.3%)
|
29-1215 |
Family Medicine Physicians |
$256,830
|
$284,360
|
+$27,530 (+10.7%)
|
29-1216 |
General Internal Medicine Physicians |
$262,710
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
29-1217 |
Neurologists |
$286,310
|
$194,600
|
-$91,710 (-32%)
|
29-1218 |
Obstetricians and Gynecologists |
$281,130
|
$288,010
|
+$6,880 (+2.4%)
|
29-1221 |
Pediatricians, General |
$222,340
|
$216,760
|
-$5,580 (-2.5%)
|
29-1222 |
Physicians, Pathologists |
$266,020
|
$281,560
|
+$15,540 (+5.8%)
|
29-1223 |
Psychiatrists |
$269,120
|
$293,190
|
+$24,070 (+8.9%)
|
29-1224 |
Radiologists |
$359,820
|
$370,880
|
+$11,060 (+3.1%)
|
29-1229 |
Physicians, All Other |
$253,470
|
$270,130
|
+$16,660 (+6.6%)
|
29-1241 |
Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric |
$301,500
|
$239,200
|
-$62,300 (-20.7%)
|
29-1242 |
Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric |
$365,060
|
$239,200
|
-$125,860 (-34.5%)
|
29-1243 |
Pediatric Surgeons |
$450,810
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
29-1249 |
Surgeons, All Other |
$371,280
|
$447,540
|
+$76,260 (+20.5%)
|
51.1203
Podiatric Medicine/Podiatry.
(Spec)
A program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of podiatric medicine, involving the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and injuries to the foot and lower extremities. Includes instruction in the basic medical sciences, anatomy of the lower extremity, functional orthopedics, foot biomechanics, podiatric radiology, dermatology, podiatric surgery, podopediatrics, sports medicine, physical diagnosis, emergency medicine and traumatology, practice management, and professional standards and ethics.
Graduate Career Earnings in California
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
California Avg |
CA vs US |
29-1081 |
Podiatrists |
$163,960
|
$196,320
|
+$32,360 (+19.7%)
|
51.1701
Optometry.
(Spec)
A program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of optometry and that focuses on the principles and techniques for examining, diagnosing and treating conditions of the visual system. Includes instruction in prescribing glasses and contact lenses, other optical aids, corrective therapies, patient counseling, physician referral, practice management, and ethics and professional standards.
Graduate Career Earnings in California
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
California Avg |
CA vs US |
29-1041 |
Optometrists |
$140,940
|
$134,550
|
-$6,390 (-4.5%)
|
A program that prepares individuals for the independent or employed practice of preparing and dispensing drugs and medications in consultation with prescribing physicians and other health care professionals, and for managing pharmacy practices and counseling patients. Includes instruction in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacognosy, pharmacy practice, pharmacy administration, applicable regulations, and professional standards and ethics.
Graduate Career Earnings in California
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
California Avg |
CA vs US |
11-9111 |
Medical and Health Services Managers |
$137,730
|
$145,840
|
+$8,110 (+5.9%)
|
25-1071 |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary |
$137,900
|
$153,860
|
+$15,960 (+11.6%)
|
29-1051 |
Pharmacists |
$137,210
|
$168,570
|
+$31,360 (+22.9%)
|
51.2010
Pharmaceutical Sciences.
(PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on the basic sciences that underlie drugs and drug therapy and that prepares individuals for further study and/or careers in pharmaceutical science and research, pharmaceutical administration and sales, biotechnology, drug manufacturing, regulatory affairs, and related fields. Includes instruction in mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, statistics, pharmaceutics, pharmacology and toxicology, dosage formulation, manufacturing, quality assurance, and regulations.
Graduate Career Earnings in California
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
California Avg |
CA vs US |
19-1042 |
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists |
$112,690
|
$129,970
|
+$17,280 (+15.3%)
|
25-1071 |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary |
$137,900
|
$153,860
|
+$15,960 (+11.6%)
|
51.2308
Physical Therapy/Therapist.
(Spec)
A program that prepares individuals to evaluate, examine, diagnose, and alleviate physical functional impairments and limitations caused by injury or disease through the design and implementation of therapeutic interventions to promote fitness and health. Includes instruction in anatomy, behavioral sciences, biology, biomechanics, biophysical agents, care plan development and documentation, cellular histology, clinical evaluation and measurement, clinical reasoning, communication, exercise physiology, kinesiology, neuroscience, pharmacology, pathology, physiology, professional standards and ethics, rehabilitation psychology, and therapeutic exercise.
Graduate Career Earnings in California
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
California Avg |
CA vs US |
25-1071 |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary |
$137,900
|
$153,860
|
+$15,960 (+11.6%)
|
29-1123 |
Physical Therapists |
$102,400
|
$118,340
|
+$15,940 (+15.6%)
|
51.3801
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.
(PostBacCert)
A program that generally prepares individuals in the knowledge, techniques and procedures for promoting health, providing care for sick, disabled, infirmed, or other individuals or groups. Includes instruction in the administration of medication and treatments, assisting a physician during treatments and examinations, Referring patients to physicians and other health care specialists, and planning education for health maintenance.
Graduate Career Earnings in California
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
California Avg |
CA vs US |
25-1072 |
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary |
$87,090
|
$138,780
|
+$51,690 (+59.4%)
|
29-1141 |
Registered Nurses |
$98,430
|
$132,230
|
+$33,800 (+34.3%)
|
51.3802
Nursing Administration.
(Spec)
A program that prepares registered nurses to manage nursing personnel and services in hospitals and other health care delivery agencies. Includes instruction in principles of health care administration, resource and financial management, health care law and policy, medical personnel management, and managed care operations.
Graduate Career Earnings in California
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
California Avg |
CA vs US |
11-9111 |
Medical and Health Services Managers |
$137,730
|
$145,840
|
+$8,110 (+5.9%)
|
29-1141 |
Registered Nurses |
$98,430
|
$132,230
|
+$33,800 (+34.3%)
|
29-1171 |
Nurse Practitioners |
$132,000
|
$155,240
|
+$23,240 (+17.6%)
|
51.3805
Family Practice Nurse/Nursing.
(MSc)
A program that prepares registered nurses to provide independent general care for family groups and individuals in the context of family living. Includes instruction in family theory and intervention, role synthesis, family primary care, nursing practice and health care policy, holistic practice, pediatric practice, gerontological practice, health assessment, clinical pharmacotherapeutics, clinical techniques, and pathopsychology.
Graduate Career Earnings in California
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
California Avg |
CA vs US |
25-1072 |
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary |
$87,090
|
$138,780
|
+$51,690 (+59.4%)
|
29-1141 |
Registered Nurses |
$98,430
|
$132,230
|
+$33,800 (+34.3%)
|
29-1171 |
Nurse Practitioners |
$132,000
|
$155,240
|
+$23,240 (+17.6%)
|
51.3810
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing.
(MSc)
A program that prepares registered nurses to promote mental health and provide nursing care to patients with mental, emotional or behavioral disorders, in mental institutions or other settings. Includes instruction in psychopathology, behavioral health, counseling and intervention strategies, psychoeducation, mental health assessment and dual diagnosis, stabilization and management of psychotic illness, psychiatric care and rehabilitation, substance abuse, and crisis intervention.
Graduate Career Earnings in California
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
California Avg |
CA vs US |
25-1072 |
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary |
$87,090
|
$138,780
|
+$51,690 (+59.4%)
|
29-1141 |
Registered Nurses |
$98,430
|
$132,230
|
+$33,800 (+34.3%)
|
29-1171 |
Nurse Practitioners |
$132,000
|
$155,240
|
+$23,240 (+17.6%)
|
51.3816
Emergency Room/Trauma Nursing.
(MSc)
A program that prepares registered nurses to deliver advanced, direct patient care in emergency and trauma settings. Includes instruction in advanced health assessment, pharmacology, physiology, emergency management, trauma conditions, trauma assessments and acute care.
Graduate Career Earnings in California
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
California Avg |
CA vs US |
25-1072 |
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary |
$87,090
|
$138,780
|
+$51,690 (+59.4%)
|
29-1141 |
Registered Nurses |
$98,430
|
$132,230
|
+$33,800 (+34.3%)
|
29-1171 |
Nurse Practitioners |
$132,000
|
$155,240
|
+$23,240 (+17.6%)
|
51.9999
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other.
(PostBacCert)
Any instructional program in the health professions and related clinical sciences not listed above.
Graduate Career Earnings in California
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
California Avg |
CA vs US |
99-9999 |
NO MATCH |
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Agriculture (1)
Most Graduates (9.7%)
Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine
01.8001
Veterinary Medicine.
(Spec)
A program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of veterinary medicine, involving the diagnosis, treatment, and health care management of animals and animal populations and the prevention and management of zoonosis. Includes instruction in the veterinary basic sciences, infectious and noninfectious disease, diagnostic procedures, veterinary clinical medicine, obstetrics, radiology, anesthesiology, surgery, toxicology, animal health and preventive medicine, clinical nutrition, practice management, and professional standards and ethics.
Graduate Career Earnings in California
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
California Avg |
CA vs US |
25-1071 |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary |
$137,900
|
$153,860
|
+$15,960 (+11.6%)
|
29-1131 |
Veterinarians |
$140,270
|
$145,100
|
+$4,830 (+3.4%)
|
Biological Sciences (1)
Most Graduates (0.4%)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
26.0102
Biomedical Sciences, General.
(PostBacCert)
A general, program that focuses on the integrative scientific study of biological issues related to health and medicine, or a program in one or more of the biomedical sciences that is undifferentiated as to title. Includes instruction in any of the basic medical sciences at the research level; biological science research in biomedical faculties; and general studies encompassing a variety of the biomedical disciplines.
Graduate Career Earnings in California
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
California Avg |
CA vs US |
19-1042 |
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists |
$112,690
|
$129,970
|
+$17,280 (+15.3%)
|
19-4021 |
Biological Technicians |
$58,020
|
$45,440
|
-$12,580 (-21.7%)
|
25-1042 |
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary |
$101,340
|
$115,670
|
+$14,330 (+14.1%)
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU)
What academic programs and degree levels does Western University of Health Sciences offer?
Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) offers 20 academic programs across 3 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Professional).
Most popular program areas include:
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (15 programs)
- Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine (1 programs)
- Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.