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

UMass Lowell alumna and television meteorologist Shiri Spear stands on a beach in front of television cameras.
Shiri Spear '07
Environmental Studies - Atmospheric Science

Shiri Spear ’07 is now a successful TV meteorologist.

I can’t tell you how much UML got me where I am today.
Read More About Shiri Spear 
John Kilgo smiling in front of MITRE signage
John Kilgo '19
Computer Science

John Kilgo VI began working at MITRE Corporation more than three years ago as an intern, when he was a UMass Lowell undergraduate. Now, he’s employed there full time as a software systems engineer, while enrolled part time in the master’s program in computer science.

The flexibility of the program allows the courses to sync up with what I’m doing at work.
Read More About John Kilgo 
UMass Lowell Image
Thomas B. Shea
Biological Science

Tom Shea is the director of the Center for Cellular Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration Research. His research looks at ways to prevent or slow down brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and ALS.

You can have the best research facilities in the world and still might be missing the essential element to the university experience—the interaction between faculty and students.
Read More About Thomas B. Shea 
Emmanuelle Oliveira poses outdoors holding hands with her husband and four children.
Emmanuelle Oliveira ’10, ’12
Biological Sciences/Biotechnology

Despite multiple roadblocks, biological sciences alum Emmanuelle Oliveira ’10, ’12 is on her way to becoming a doctor.

UMass Lowell offered scholarships that allowed me to go to college.
Read More About Emmanuelle Oliveira