ZTC (Zero-Textbook-Cost) classes have no textbook-related costs, including access fees for online materials. Such classes often use Open Educational Resources (OER) created under a Creative Commons (a public copyright license) that give people the ability to share, use, and build upon a work that has been created. They may also use library ebooks or other sources so there is no cost to the student.
Please talk to a college counselor about which courses are in the ZTC pathway for your planned certificate/degree.
ÃÛÌÒAPP faculty have adopted and created OER to provide high-quality educational materials to you at no cost online, and low-cost print options.
NOTE: Please be aware that there might be other fees associated with the course, e.g., calculator, safety goggles, etc.
Earn a Degree Without Purchasing One Textbook
Saddleback offers many ZTC degrees and certificates. This means that students can earn a degree or certificate in one of the following programs without buying one textbook. NOTE: Please talk to a college counselor about which courses are in the ZTC pathway for your planned certificate/degree.
| Program | Program/Award |
|---|---|
| Accessory Design | Job Skills Certificate |
| Advanced Fashion Design and Apparel Manufacturing | Certificate of Achievement |
| Aging Studies Interdisciplinary | Certificate of Achievement |
| Aging Studies | Certificate of Achievement |
| Anthropology | Associate of Arts |
| Anthropology | Associate in Arts for Transfer |
| American Sign Language | Associate of Science |
| Associate Teacher Level II: Work Experience | Certificate of Achievement |
| Associate Teacher level I | Certificate of Achievement |
| Astronomy | Associate of Science |
| Basic Music Skills | Certificate of Achievement |
| Business Communication Skills | Certificate of Achievement |
| Child and Adolescent Development | Associate in Arts for Transfer |
| Cinema-Television-Radio | Associate of Science |
| Cinema-Television-Radio | Certificate of Achievement |
| Cinema-Television-Radio Career Skills | Certificate of Achievement |
| Clinical Laboratory Assistant/ Phlebotomy Program | Certificate of Completion |
| Coaching | Occupational Skills Award |
| Commercial Music | Certificate of Achievement |
| Communication Studies 2.0 | Associate in Arts for Transfer |
| Costuming | Certificate of Achievement |
| Creative Writing | Associate of Arts |
| Dance | Associate of Arts |
| Early Childhood Education | Associate in Arts for Transfer |
| Economics | Associate in Arts for Transfer |
| Economics | Associate of Arts |
| English | Associate in Arts for Transfer |
| English Literature | Associate of Arts |
| Event Planner | Occupational Skills Award |
| Fashion Design | Associate of Science |
| Fashion Design | Certificate of Achievement |
| Fashion Display and Presentation | Associate of Science |
| Fashion Merchandising | Associate of Science |
| Fashion Merchandising | Certificate of Achievement |
| Fashion Technology | Occupational Skills Award |
| Gender and Sexuality Studies | Associate of Arts |
| Geography | Associate in Arts for Transfer |
| Geography | Associate of Arts |
| Global Studies | Associate in Arts for Transfer |
| History | Associate in Arts for Transfer |
| History | Associate of Arts |
| Hospitality Management | Associate in Science for Transfer |
| Humanities | Associate of Arts |
| Instrumental Studies | Certificate of Achievement |
| Introduction to Baking and Pastry | Certificate of Achievement |
| Introduction to Culinary Arts | Associate of Science |
| Introduction to Culinary Arts | Certificate of Achievement |
| Jazz Composition | Certificate of Achievement |
| Jazz Studies | Certificate of Achievement |
| Keyboard Studies | Certificate of Achievement |
| Law, Public Policy, and Society | Associate in Arts for Transfer |
| Liberal Studies | Associate of Arts |
| Music | Associate in Arts for Transfer |
| Music | Associate of Arts |
| Music Composition | Certificate of Achievement |
| Music Production | Job Skills Certificate |
| Music Production Entrepreneurship | Certificate of Achievement |
| Persian | Associate of Arts |
| Photography | Associate of Arts |
| Physics | Associate in Science for Transfer |
| Physics | Associate of Science |
| Political Science | Associate in Arts for Transfer |
| Psychology | Associate in Arts for Transfer |
| Sociology | Associate in Arts for Transfer |
| Studio Arts | Associate in Arts for Transfer |
| Studio Arts | Associate of Arts |
| Surface Design | Certificate of Achievement |
| Sustainable Fashion and Social Entrepreneurship | Job Skills Certificate |
| Theatre Arts | Associate in Arts for Transfer |
| Theatre Arts Technical Theatre | Associate of Arts |
| Theatre Arts Entertainment and Theatre Technology | Certificate of Achievement |
| Travel and Tourism | Associate of Arts |
| Travel and Tourism | Certificate of Achievement |
| Visual Display and Presentation | Certificate of Achievement |
| Vocal Studies | Certificate of Achievement |
- AA General Studies - Social and Behavioral Sciences
- AA General Studies- Arts & Humanities
- AA General Studies - Interdisciplinary Studies
- AA General Studies - Natural Sciences
- General Education CSU GE Certificate of Achievement
- General Education IGETC Certificate of Achievement
- Associate Degree (local)
- Adult Education Basic Technology Skills
- Adult Education English as a Second Language (AESL) for the Workplace
- Adult Education English as a Second Language - Advanced Level
- Adult Education English as a Second Language - Beginning Level
- Adult Education English as a Second Language - Intermediate Level
- Basic Culinary Skills
- High School Equivalency for Language Arts Success
- High School Equivalency for Mathematics Success
- Family Childcare
- Communication Skills for Nursing Students
Frequently Asked Questions
In the class schedule, on the Browse Classes page type "Zero Textbook Cost" into the Attribute field.
Your OER textbook may be sent as a PDF, be made available on a website, or embedded into the course within Canvas. Check with the instructor of the course for more information.
You may print a copy of the material for yourself but check with your instructor for options.
If you have further questions or would like more information on the ZTC courses, you can to learn more about the program.
Student Testimonials
The biggest benefits of the ZTC courses were the cost savings and the accessibility. When you’re enrolling for classes you’re a little hesitant because the textbook costs serve as a hurdle. The ZTC materials are definitely more accessible than textbooks. You can access them on your phone wherever you are. I don’t need to bring a book with me. You can get to topics you want quickly because it’s all organized for you. The information in my economics materials was up to date and included charts and graphics to help you understand the concepts.
This past fall I found the ZTC tab in the Class Schedule and I found that lots of courses were being offered with ZTC. I was very surprised with how inclusive the materials were in terms of content. One course (the material) was offered as a PDF while other courses provided a full-fledged digital textbook. The materials included study guides, quick quizzes and being digital, I could use the search function to find a specific thing. The ZTC courses leave more money in your pocket for food, gas, etc. Sometimes a textbook can be more expensive than the class. One of the textbooks for a non-ZTC class was around $200. I was able to take an extra class with the money I saved from enrolling in a ZTC course instead.
I was really happy that I was able to save money and still receive a quality education with the ZTC classes. Money, for me, is the biggest factor, I was able to save money and still receive a quality education on top of that. The materials were up to date and featured a lot of recent information which is important for the political science and sociology classes.