Discover your passion and career pathway in the sciences.

Contact Us

To learn more about the Undeclared Sciences Program, please contact:

Stephen Norton
Program Director, Assistant Dean
Email: Stephen_Norton@uml.edu
Phone: 978-934-3844 

Chemistry faculty member and student work with equipment in a UMass Lowell lab

About the Undeclared Sciences Program

The Undeclared Sciences Program allows you to explore a diverse range of scientific disciplines within a close-knit community of students united by an interest in science, the process of discovery, and the applications of scientific knowledge to the world around us.  

Within the program, you'll gain an overview of the different majors in the college and associated career paths. You’ll also refine your interests, assess your values, and evaluate your strengths so you can make a more informed decision about which major works best for you.

Exploring the Sciences 

A centerpiece for the program is the First Year Seminar SCIE.1500: Exploring the Sciences. This course facilitates the major selection process through guided career exploration activities, cultivating and refining critical decision-making skills, and exposing you to the full range of disciplinary options with the College of Sciences.   

During the semester you will have the opportunity to:

  • Meet one-on-one with faculty from different scientific disciplines
  • Engage with undergraduates from the various departments
  • Participate in clubs and organizations matching your interests
  • Visit various college facilities including robotics and biology labs, the particle accelerator and nuclear reactor

Summer Engagement Prior to First Semester

Professor Frank Colby of the EEAS department pointing to large, interactive weather monitor

If you select Undeclared Sciences, the program director will meet with you individually during the summer prior to your first Fall semester at UML.

During the meeting, we will review and assess your initial interests, experiences and qualifications to determine an optimal course schedule, which will allow you to explore multiple pathways compatible with your goals while also ensuring you remain on-track for graduation. 

You will also have the opportunity to meet with faculty from different science programs and from across campus if you need additional guidance or simply wish to more fully explore the academic and co-curricular possibilities open to you.

Hear from Our Faculty & Students

Jeongjae Han kayaking
Jeongjae Han '23
Computer Science

Jeongjae Han halted his studies at UML to serve in the South Korean military. Now that he is back on campus, he is focusing on earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

I feel like I belong at UML.
Read More About Jeongjae Han 
Peter Barrett headshot
Peter Barrett '74
Chemistry

Chemistry alum Peter Barrett ’74 went from creating new businesses to helping fund the next generation’s business ideas.

The ability to go into a laboratory and actually do experiments is what got me really interested in analytical chemistry.
Read More About Peter Barrett 
Paul Song at his workstation
Paul Song
Professor, Physics

An expert in geophysics and solar plasma physics, Paul Song directs UMass Lowell’s Space Science Laboratory.

Predicting space weather is the next frontier in weather forecasting.
Read More About Paul Song 
Garima working at a desk
Garima Jain '22
Computer Science

Garima Jain transferred from J.C. Bose University of Science and Technology, YMCA in her hometown of Faridabad, India, to UMass Lowell, where she has gained research and internship experiences.

There is a lot of opportunity, and the people here are amazing … I love the culture at UMass Lowell.
Read More About Garima Jain