Z-Pathways

What are Z-Pathways?

Z-Pathways are zero-textbook-cost (ZTC) pathways, meaning that all of the core courses and most (if not all) of the selectives for the course regularly have ZTC sections. That means that your textbooks, lab manuals and homework platforms are free! Check out this video to learn more. (This video is captioned in English only right now.)

Which GEs are part of the Z-Pathways?

The great thing is that Cañada has multiple GE courses every semester that are ZTC. It’s easy for you to complete your Cal-GETC requirements by only taking ZTC courses! (We also have a few low-textbook-cost (LTC) options, too!)

Check this list out!

  • 1A English Composition: ENGL C1000 (100), ENGL C1000E (105)
  • 1B Critical Thinking and Composition: ENGL C1001 (110), ENGL C1002 (165)
  • 1C Oral Communication: COMM C1000 (110)
  • MATH 145, MATH 225, MATH 241, MATH C2210 (251), MATH C2220 (252), MATH 253, MATH 270, MATH 275
  • STAT C1000
  • 3A Arts: ARTH 105, MUS 100, MUS 202, MUS 250
  • 3B Humanities: ENGL C1002 (110), HIST C1001 (201), HIST C1002 (202), SPAN 140
  • ANTH 110, ANTH 351
  • COMM 150, COMM 180
  • CDEV C1000, ECE 212
  • ENGL/LING 200
  • ETHN 108, 109, 130
  • HIST C1001 (201), HIST C1002 (202)
  • POLS 130, POLS 170, POLS C1000, POLS 310
  • PSYC 200, PSYC 205
  • SOCI C1000 (100), SOCI 105, SOCI 205
  • 5A Physical Science: ASTR C1001 (100); CHEM 210, CHEM 220, CHEM 231, CHEM 232, GEOL 100, METE 100, OCEN 100, PHYS 250, PHYS 260
  • 5B Biological Science: ANTH C1001 (125), BIOL C1000 (110), BIOL 250, OCEN 100
  • 5C Science Laboratory: ANTH C1001L (126), ASTR 1001L (101), OCEN 101
  • ETHN 108, 109, 130

We also have a number of Cal-GETC courses that regularly offer LTC sections:

  • 1A English Composition: ENGL C1000 (100), ENGL C1000E (105)
  • 1B Critical Thinking and Composition: ENGL C1001 (110), ENGL C1002 (165)
  • 1C Oral Communication: COMM C1000 (110)
  • MATH 225
  • 3A Arts: None right now
  • 3B Humanities: HIST 104, HIST 106, HIST 245, HIST 246, HIST 247
  • ECON C2002 (100), ECON C2001 (102)
  • ETHN 108
  • HIST 104, HIST 106, HIST 245, HIST 246, HIST 247
  • 5A Physical Science: CHEM 210, CHEM 220 
  • 5B Biological Science: None right now
  • 5C Science Laboratory: None right now
  • ETHN 108

Which degrees and certificates are Z-Pathways?

As of Fall 2026, Cañada has the following Z-Pathways:

  • Anthropology AA-T
  • Business:
    • Business Administration 2.0 AS-T
    • Business Administration AS
    • Business Management (Certificate of Achievement)
    • Business: Human Relations in the Workplace (Certficiate of Achievement)
  • Communications:
    • Communications AA
    • Communication Studies 2.0 AA-T
  • Digital Art and Animation:
    • Graphic Design (Certificate of Achievement)
    • Digital Art and Animation (Certificate of Achievement)
  • Education and Human Development:
    • Early Childhood Education AA-T
    • Early Childhood Education (Certificate of Achievement)
    • Inclusion Support (Certificate of Achievement)
    • Youth and After School (Certificate of Achievement)
  • Mathematics AS-T

We’re working on more! Don’t see your degree or certificate pathway listed here? Let us know!

How do I learn more?