Programs
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Washington (OLLI-UW) offers a range of programs for intellectually curious adults over the age of 50.
Courses
OLLI-UW courses cover engaging subjects ranging from global events to the arts, from health science research to compelling issues of the day. Current and retired UW faculty or experts from the community lead the courses.
We offer a full schedule of more than 20 courses in autumn, winter and spring. Courses typically meet weekly for two hours for three to five weeks. Other courses are offered as a single session. OLLI-UW members pay a fee of $35–$100 per course, depending on the number of sessions.
Courses meet in person at one of several locations in the Puget Sound region or online over Zoom.
National Osher Online
National Osher Online is a program offered through partnership with the National Resource Center (NRC), which acts as a central resource for all Osher Institutes (there are 125 in the United States).
Here's how you can participate:
- Look for Osher Online courses in the course list below
- Register for a course and pay OLLI-UW, and we’ll pass on your name and email to the NRC
- Attend an NRC orientation session to help you get familiar with the various resources
- Keep any eye out for an email from National Osher Online with login instructions for your course
Course Packages
OLLI-UW members can now enjoy a discounted price when they apply a course package. Get 15% off with a three-course package and 20% off with a six-course package. Only three-, four- and five-week courses are eligible for this deal. National Osher Online courses and field trips are not eligible.
January 2026
In-Person
- Arts of the Pacific Northwest – OLLI 1001
- Exploring Human Brains: How Do They Function (and Dysfunction)? – OLLI 0224
- Iconic Birds of Mercer Island – OLLI 1002
- Museum Masterpieces in Europe, Part I – OLLI 0348
- Readers Theater – OLLI 0398
Online (Zoom)
- Color: From Biology to Culture – OLLI 1004
- Einstein Without Tears: His Theories Explained Without Math and in Everyday Language (National Osher Online) - OLLI 9004
- The History of American Television (National Osher Online) - OLLI 9003
- The Noir Novel: Three American Classics (National Osher Online) – OLLI 9002
- Osher Integrative Health: Navigating Chronic Illness in a Complex Health Care System (National Osher Online) – OLLI 9005
- William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night's Dream – OLLI 1006
February 2026
In-Person or Hybrid
- Cold War in the Movies - OLLI 1012
- Germs in the News 2026 - OLLI 1010
- Great Voices From Spain: A Cultural Journey through Language, Story & Songs - OLLI 1008
- Great Women Artists: 1500-Present - OLLI 0618
- How World War II Ended - OLLI 1009
- Photography Out on Location - Fisherman’s Terminal Encore – OLLI 1007 (Hybrid)
Online (Zoom)
- Germs in the News 2026 - OLLI 1010
- Neoclassicism & Romanticism – OLLI 0361
- Seeing & Creating Landscape - OLLI 1011
March 2026
In-Person
Online (Zoom)
Field Trips
Get out and explore interesting places around the Puget Sound. Our field trips include guided museum and garden tours and more. Field trips are a member perk and charge a small fee.
Transportation to/from the event is not provided.
- 1/21/2026: UW Planetarium
- 2/5/2026: UW Biology Greenhouse Tour
Monthly Lecture Series
Lectures are talks by experts on a wide range of subjects. Lectures are free for OLLI-UW members and available in several locations or online via Zoom. Members are invited to bring their lunch and a guest.
OLLI-UW also hosts community lectures that are open to the general public. These are offered over Zoom and/or in-person; check the specific lecture for details.
Community Lectures
- 12/4/2025: How Do Rumors & False Information Spread & Survive Online? (In-Person)
- 1/8/2026: Earthquakes Beneath Our Feet Lecture - OLLI 1017 (In-Person & Online)
- 1/28/2026: Honoring the Past & Building for the Future at HistoryLink Lecture - OLLI 1019 (Online)
- 2/6/2026: Human Language Origins Lecture - OLLI 1021 (In-Person & Online)
- 2/13/2026: From Whence the Cascades? - OLLI 1022 (In-Person)
- 3/6/2026: Cryptocurrency: What Is It? Lecture - OLLI 1024 (In-Person & Online)
Member Zoom Lectures
- 1/16/2026: All the World’s Music: Different … But Equally Logical Lecture - OLLI 1018
- 2/4/2026: Music's Intersections With Our Health & Wellness Lecture- OLLI 1020
- 2/18/2026: Seattle Symphony Pre-Performance Lecture With Erica Miner - OLLI 1023
- 3/25/2026: From Peaks to Patterns: Insights From the Burke Herbarium’s 50 Peaks Project Lecture - OLLI 1025
Study Groups
Designed and led by members, Osher study groups are an exclusive, free benefit for all OLLI-UW members. Study groups offer self-directed learning opportunities focused on an engaging topic for an extended period. While delving into a topic area, you’ll foster connections with community members who share similar interests.
Have an idea for a study group? We can help you bring it to life. Staff will work with you to create, schedule and promote the group to fellow members. Contact our office with your idea; reach us by email or phone at 206-685-6549.