Normandale Community College offers an Associates of Arts (AA) Degree in Liberal Education as a Z-degree.
A Z-degree allows students to earn an Associates of Arts degree without purchasing textbooks. This Z-degree allows students to reduce out of pocket and/or student loan costs, while also enabling instructors to teach courses in a more flexible manner with Open Education Resource (OER).
OER are high-quality, multi-modal textbooks, streaming videos, course modules, articles and other materials that can be used and adapted by the instructor. The use of these materials allows students to get their AA in Liberal Education without buying any textbooks.
Any student may take a Z-Degree course and/or seek a Z-Degree. There is no special application process.
There are Z-Degree classes available in Art, Chemistry, Communication, Computer Science, Economics, Exercise Science, French, Geology, History, Math, Philosophy, Psychology and Theatre.
Registering for a Z-Degree class is very similar to registering for any other course, with one additional step:
You can click on the Z-Degree Course link to see all of the Spring 2025 offerings.
You can also log in to e-Services
Many of these textbooks and materials are in an electronic format, instead of being printed. This will often times require a reliable internet connection.
These materials can sometimes be found in a printed format for an additional cost. Check with the instructor of the course to find out more information about the materials that will be used.
There are sometimes other fees for courses that aren’t included in the textbook costs, but may be required for the course. These could be for things like art supplies, calculators or a yoga mat.
Yes. Although the goal is for students to be able to get their degree without buying any textbooks, students do have interests and needs in classes that don’t have a Z-Degree option. They can take both Z-Degree and non-Z-Degree classes as needed.
Materials can be usually viewed or downloaded to a laptop, phone or personal device at no cost.
Some Z-Degree courses may require a materials fee for class supplies. These could be for things like art supplies, calculators or a yoga mat.
Room C1180
Hours: Mondays-Wednesdays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Chat M-TH 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
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