Osher Online Courses
New in 2025! Osher Online courses are open to all members of any Osher Lifelong Learning Institute! Your active membership grants you access to these offerings. Scroll down for more info!
About Osher Online Courses
Osher Online offers fully online courses for the enjoyment of Osher members across the country! These courses were created by the Osher National Resource Center (NRC) at Northwestern University and are delivered by that program. Their staff will provide moderators and technical assistance.
Each course is six weeks in duration, with 1.5-hour sessions every week. The cost is $75 per person, per course. Sessions take place via Zoom. Sessions are not recorded, so live attendance is essential. An Osher at Dartmouth membership is required in order to register for any of these courses.
After registering for Osher Online courses, students will receive a welcome email from Osher NRC that includes an Osher Online username and password, as well as a link to the Osher Online website. The website holds the class Zoom link, syllabus, discussion board, and Customer Care contact information. Students will also receive an invitation to a pre-class orientation with information on accessing courses (see the "Before Your First Class!" section below).
Registration opens Monday, May 12 at 12:01 AM. Space is limited; be sure to register early!
Support for Courses
While registration is processed through Osher at Dartmouth, support for Osher Online courses is provided by the Osher Online Team at the Northwestern University School of Professional Studies. For assistance, call them at (312) 503-5555 or email osheronline@northwestern.edu.
Before Your First Class!
Once you register for any Osher Online course, we strongly encourage you to attend their orientation session (date to come) (a registration link will be provided after you register for one of the courses below). You can also watch their Member Orientation recording to ensure you are fully prepared for your first day of class. Afterwards, practice logging in at www.osheronline.net!
Fall 2025 Courses
Term dates: September 8 through December 19, 2025
Graceful Exits: Exploring the Economics, Ethics & Ethos of Death With Dignity
This course explores Alexander Graham Bell’s groundbreaking 1875 concept, his struggles to commercialize it, and his rivalries with Elisha Gray and Thomas Edison.
View the full course description here.
Click here to watch a video about the course!
The Power of One in Steven Spielberg Films
This course explores the recurring theme of moral choices and redemption in Steven Spielberg’s films.
View the full course description here.
Click here to watch a video about the course!
Refund Policy
Participants may request or receive a refund of their course fees for the following reasons:
- Course cancelled by Osher at Dartmouth or Study Leader(s): Receive a full refund of their course fee.
- Course Withdrawal/Drop/Transfer by Registrant:
- At least 14 days prior to first session: Receive a refund of their course fee minus a $10.00 administrative fee for each course.
- Less than 14 days prior to first session: Not eligible to receive a refund of course fees or special fees related to the course.
- Transfer: No administrative fee.
Exceptions to this policy:
Exceptions may be made if the member’s health will prevent participation in their course. In such cases, a written refund request must be submitted to the Osher at Dartmouth office. A $10.00 administrative fee per course will be applied to this type of refund request.