CHESTER and MIDLOTHIAN, Va. – Starting in the Fall 2017 semester, John Tyler Community College is piloting a program in which students can earn an associate degree in General Studies without having to pay for textbooks. Called the Z-Degree, the program utilizes no-cost, high-quality electronic textbooks and educational materials. The only classroom material a student may have to pay for is a lab kit, required by some science classes, which costs approximately $40. Since textbooks can account for 25% of total college costs, the Z-Degree could save students as much as $2,000.
Those enrolled in the Z-Degree Pilot Program will earn their degree by completing 16-week classes over four semesters. They also will receive guaranteed enrollment in the most popular courses and will enjoy a morning block schedule that includes classes that generally meet Monday – Thursday from 8:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. at the Chester Campus, as well as one online course each semester.
This new program is open to all new students who want to pursue an associate degree in General Studies. To be eligible for the program, students must be college-ready in English and Math. Visit www.jtcc.edu/zdegree for information on how to determine readiness for ENG 111 and MTH 170.
Space in the Z-Degree Pilot Program is limited. Those interested in applying for the program must apply for admission to John Tyler; take the Virginia Placement Test (VPT), if required to determine college-readiness in English and Math; apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); and submit a Z-Degree supplemental application. Applications will be accepted through July 30, 2017, but review of applications will begin March 31, 2017, so those interested in the program are encouraged to apply early.
More information about the Z-Degree Pilot Program; answers to frequently asked questions; and details and links for the steps to apply may be found at www.jtcc.edu/zdegree.
Questions about this new program may be directed to Dr. Mary Lou Vredenburg, associate dean of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, at 804-706-5088 (Chester Campus), 804-594-1458 (Midlothian Campus) or mvredenburg@jtcc.edu.
John Tyler Community College, celebrating 50 years of providing educational opportunities to Central Virginia, is the fifth largest of the 23 community colleges in Virginia. With campuses in Chester and Midlothian and off-campus classrooms throughout the area, John Tyler offers affordable, quality programs for students who want to earn a degree or certificate, transfer to a four-year college or university, train for the workforce, or switch careers. The College, which served more than 14,100 students during the 2015-16 academic year, offers more than 60 majors, including associate degrees and certificates. The institution also serves more than 12,000 non-credit trainees and over 900 companies and government agencies annually through the Community College Workforce Alliance.