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.

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 110, ENGL C1001 (165)
  • 1C Oral Communication: COMM C1000 (110)
  • MATH 145, MATH 225, MATH 241, MATH 251, MATH 252, MATH 253, MATH 270, MATH 270
  • STAT C1000 (MATH 200)
  • 3A Arts: MUS 100, MUS 202, MUS 250
  • 3B Humanities: HIST 201, HIST 202, SPAN 140
  • ANTH 110, ANTH 351
  • COMM 150, COMM 180
  • ECE 201, ECE 212
  • ENGL/LING 200
  • ETHN 109
  • HIST 201, HIST 202
  • POLS 130, POLS 170, POLS C1000 (210), POLS 310
  • PSYC C1000 (100), PSYC 200, PSYC 300, PSYC 340
  • SOCI 100, SOCI 105, SOCI 205
  • 5A Physical Science: ASTR 100; CHEM 210, CHEM 220, CHEM 231, CHEM 232, GEOL 100, METE 100, OCEN 100, PHYS 210, PHYS 220, PHYS 250, PHYS 260, PHYS 270
  • 5B Biological Science: ANTH 125, BIOL 110, BIOL 250, OCEN 100
  • 5C Science Laboratory: ANTH 126, ASTR 101, OCEN 101
  • ETHN 109

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 110, ENGL C1001 (165)
  • 1C Oral Communication: COMM C1000 (110)

(none right now; most are ZTC!)

  • 3A Arts: None right now
  • 3B Humanities: HIST 104, HIST 106, HIST 245, HIST 246, HIST 247, PHIL 175, PHIL 190, PHIL 240, PHIL 312
  • ECON 100, ECON 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 2025, Cañada has the following Z-Pathways:

  • Business Administration 2.0 AS-T
  • Chemistry AS
  • Communications AA
  • Communication Studies 2.0 AA-T
  • EHD Child and Adolescent Development AA-T
  • EHD Early Childhood Education AA-T
  • EHD Early Childhood Education Certificate of Achievement
  • EHD Inclusion Support Certificate of Achievement
  • Mathematics AS-T
  • Physics 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?