LCCC unveils first ‘Z-degree’ program

Bachelor’s in applied management has no costs for textbooks, other course materials

Brad Whitman is familiar with the costs associated with college. As the Automotive Technology instructor at LCCC, he sees students experience financial challenges, but Brad is also a student. 

Having those perspectives, Brad is grateful that his Applied Management bachelor’s program at LCCC doesn’t include any costs for classroom materials. That means no money for textbooks, no lab fees, no registration costs, no test booklets — nothing. 

As a program that allows students to earn a degree without incurring any costs for classroom materials — textbooks are the most common example — the Applied Management BAS is now officially LCCC’s first Z Degree.  

“When I heard about the Z degree with this program and what they were trying to do, I thought it was absolutely phenomenal,” Brad said. “They’re really trying to drive costs lower for students, and that really says something about these faculty members."

“Zero-textbook-cost” degrees, or Z degrees, are derived from the concept of Open Educational Resources, or OER, which is increasingly being adopted by faculty at LCCC. Community colleges in Virginia are widely thought of as the first to apply the Z degree approach, but it has spread across the nation. Minnesota even defined Z degrees in state statute as part of a statewide initiative to encourage colleges and universities to adopt a zero-textbook-cost approach, codifying a Z-degree program that “exclusively uses course materials that are no cost to students.” 

The BAS in Applied Management, one of two bachelor’s degree programs at LCCC, is in the Business & Accounting Pathway. Jeff Shimdl, Business and Finance program director, said having the bachelor’s program as a Z degree is just the start. 

“Textbooks have become overly expensive — some of our students don't have the means to purchase textbooks and put food on their table,” Jeff said. “Recognizing the impact on students, the business department has made it a goal to convert all of our courses to OER.”

Brad’s position at LCCC was the result of a career change after the COVID-19 pandemic. Whatever students are trying to accomplish, whether just leaving high school or looking to upgrade their professional status, Brad knows that making college more affordable makes his path to a degree clearer. 

“It opens up opportunities for so many different people,” he said. “When you can eliminate some of the cost of college, like with a Z degree, some of these folks can accomplish goals that weren’t otherwise possible.” 

The Applied Management bachelor’s program is designed for those looking toward management, providing comprehensive business knowledge. Students learn business skills to help grow an organization in a competitive environment.

To learn more about the bachelor’s degree program in Applied Management, go to lccc.wy.edu/pathways/BAS. To learn more about the Business & Accounting Pathway, go to lccc.wy.edu/business. You can also reach out to Jeff Shimdl at jshmidlFREELARAMIE or 307.778.1343.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Z degree? 

When a program is called Z degree, that means there are no costs for instructional materials that you’re required to use for any class you take in that program. 

This includes things like:

No textbook costs
No access-code costs tied to required coursework
No required paid digital course materials
No lab material costs

The point is that you pay the normal tuition and fees associated with any of our college courses, but after that, you do not have to pay for additional materials — no extra costs — to succeed in class. 

What bachelor’s degree is offered as a Z degree?

The Applied Management bachelor’s degree program is a Z-degree program at Laramie County Community College, part of the Business & Accounting Pathway. You can apply here. 

Students in this program will learn about accounting, finance and operations as well as strategy and analysis. They will explore ethical decision making and human resource management, in addition to marketing, communication and project management.

LCCC also offers a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration, part of the Health Sciences & Wellness Pathway. 

Who is this program designed for?

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Management was developed for students who have completed an associate degree. This program is intended for students who have demonstrated technical expertise in their chosen field and seek to further their education to move into management or administrative roles. Technical expertise can be demonstrated through an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, other industry credentials (certificates, etc.) or significant technical/career work experience.

Basically, once you have your associate in an area of study you’re passionate about at LCCC, you can apply that new knowledge to the bachelor’s program, where you’ll learn to manage a business or complex operation strategically. 

Students will study real-life scenarios, apply management and other business skills, and receive coaching from industry partners. This program offers a unique opportunity for students to gain an understanding of business management and apply this knowledge directly to their own industry to develop their careers.

Do I have to get my associate degree at LCCC? 

No. The BAS, or bachelor’s, program in Applied Management is designed for students who have completed an associate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education or technical training provider. So, if you got your degree in Colorado or Nebraksa or anywhere else, as long as that institution is accredited, you can earn your bachelor’s at LCCC at an affordable cost. 

Can I do this program online?

Yes, the bachelor’s program in Applied Management at LCCC is available online. You can also take in-person classes at the Cheyenne campus. 

How long does it take?

When students already have their associate degrees, they can generally complete the BAS, or bachelor’s, program in applied management in two years or less. 

A minimum of 60 credits from a completed associate degree will be applied to the BAS degree; additional lower-division coursework may be required as a part of the degree requirements. A minimum of 45 upper-division credits is required for completion of the bachelor's degree. 

Can I transfer credits?

Yes, you can transfer credits from another institution. It must be accredited. Contact a Student Success Coach or Jeff Shmidl, program director, shmidlFREELARAMIE or 307.778.1343.

What does it cost besides tuition and standard fees?

Nothing. Once you pay tuition and the standard fees, there are no additional costs. No textbooks; no access codes; no lab materials; no test booklets. The idea is to help students succeed by saving them money.  

What jobs can it help me pursue?

Graduates of this program typically advance into management positions within their technical career field:

Chief Executives Career Information
General and Operations Managers Career Information
Sales Managers Career Information
Social and Community Service Managers Career Information
Supply Chain Managers Career Information
How do I apply or talk to someone?

Contact a Student Success Coach or Jeff Shimdl at jshmidlFREELARAMIE or 307.778.1343.