The Big Ten Academic Alliance has unveiled a new program for students in an effort to provide enriching academic experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Big Ten Academic Alliance Course Sharing Program allows students at seven Big Ten institutions to enroll in online courses offered at participating universities. Each student may enroll in one class per semester. These courses are provided to students tuition-free and are not factored into their credit hour count at their home institution, whom students can work with to transfer on to their transcript.

Ohio State students have the option to choose from a variety of courses from Indiana University, University of Maryland, Michigan State University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Pennsylvania State University and Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Course topics range from “The Fundamentals of Singing and Vocal Productions” at Pennsylvania State University and “Introduction to Financial Literacy” at Michigan State University to “History of Sport & the African American Experience” at Indiana University.

The Ohio State College of Arts and Sciences offers five courses for students in the alliance:

Art Education 1600: Art and Music Since 1945

A survey of the visual arts and music in the western world since 1945, based on live and recorded performances and exhibitions.

Chemistry 1100: Chemistry and Society

Terminology, methods and principles of chemistry; examination of the roles of chemistry in our modern technological society.

Communication 3558: Social Media

This course functions to help students (1) acquire theoretical and practical knowledge about social media and (2) understand the ways in which social media influence individuals, groups and society.

Earth Sciences 1108: Gemstones

General introduction to gemstones, including the origin of gems, identification techniques and the history of important gems.

Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies 2326: Feminist Perspectives on Addiction

An interdisciplinary feminist focus on addictive consequences of sex-role socialization, substance abuse, addiction in intimate relationships and eating disorders; consequences of addiction among women.

These courses have been popular options for Ohio State students hoping to fill their general education requirements due to their unique topics. Ohio State students are not eligible to enroll in these courses via the Course Sharing Program. However, they are encouraged to explore the course offerings from the six other institutions. These courses are regularly offered for Ohio State students through the College of Arts and Sciences.