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Z-Classes and Z-Degrees

Lower-cost learning options

Z-Classes and Z-Degrees

Reduce the cost of college by choosing classes that use free digital textbooks and other no-cost course materials.

Student using zero-cost digital course materials

The student benefit

Start class without buying a traditional textbook

Yavapai College offers selected course sections that use openly licensed textbooks, library materials, public-domain works and other instructor-selected resources instead of a required commercial textbook. These sections are identified as Z-classes.

Know the difference

Z-class compared with Z-degree

Individual course section

What is a Z-class?

A Z-class is a regular YC course section designated No Cost OER Textbooks.

  • It provides the same college credit and academic expectations as another section of the course.
  • It does not require students to purchase a traditional textbook.
  • Usual prerequisites and registration requirements still apply.

Complete academic pathway

What is a Z-degree?

A Z-degree is a degree pathway designed so students can select Z-class sections throughout the program and potentially complete the degree without traditional textbook costs.

Students must select the appropriate Z-class sections when registering. A course that meets a degree requirement but is not designated as a Z-class may require a purchased textbook.

Available pathways

YC Z-degree options

Yavapai College currently identifies the following business programs as Z-degree pathways.

Associate degree

Associate of Applied Science in Management

Bachelor’s degree

Bachelor of Applied Science in Business

Bachelor’s degree

Bachelor of Science in Business

Plan each semester carefully. Availability of Z-class sections may vary. Selecting a non-Z section may require a textbook purchase, even when the course applies to a Z-degree pathway.

Registration

How to find and register for a Z-class

Search for classes

Open the YC class search for the semester in which you plan to enroll.

Open the Attribute filter

Locate the Attribute category within the course-search filters.

Select the Z-class attribute

Choose No Cost OER Textbooks to limit results to designated Z-class sections.

Confirm before registering

Review the course title, section details, prerequisites and fees before adding the class.

Need help selecting Z-classes for your degree? Schedule an appointment with an advisor .

Course access

How students use Z-class materials

Access through Canvas

Course materials are provided through your Canvas course on or before the first day of class.

Read online or download

Materials may be viewed online or downloaded to a phone, tablet or other personal device at no cost.

Print when needed

Students who prefer printed materials may use YC printing services for a fee through the Student Course Materials Print Order form.

Common questions

Z-class and Z-degree FAQ

A Z-class may use one or more of the following:

  • Open textbooks
  • Open courses
  • Other Open Educational Resources
  • Library resources
  • Copyrighted resources used under fair use
  • Works in the public domain
  • Faculty-developed course materials

Any eligible student may register for a Z-class. Standard prerequisites, registration restrictions and class capacity still apply.

Yes. The Z designation describes the course-material cost, not a different level of credit or academic quality.

No. The Z-class designation means there is no required textbook cost. A class may still have tuition, course fees, printing costs or required supplies.

Not necessarily. Some Z-classes may require students to purchase supplies such as notebooks, art materials, tools, uniforms or other equipment.

Select the class title in the registration system to review section details, special fees and supply requirements.

Availability can vary by course and semester. Students pursuing a Z-degree should work with an advisor and confirm the No Cost OER Textbooks designation before registering for each section.

Course offerings, section attributes and material requirements may change by semester. Confirm current information during registration.