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

bachelors

Find your program: bachelor's*, master'sdoctoral

*Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Undergraduate Majors & Minors

Minors

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 
Meghan Berking and her team, Team New York, at the finish line for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults 4K, a run from San Francisco to New York City
Meghan Berking '19
Chemistry

Meghan Berking ran across the country to raise $7,500 for cancer research after losing her father to colon cancer.

I came to UMass Lowell for all of the opportunities. I'm in four clubs and they are all very different, but that allows me to be involved in everything I like.
Read More About Meghan Berking 
Mateo Rull in lab with an axolotl
Mateo Rull Garza '22
Biology

Mateo Rull Garza immersed himself in research – and published in a leading scientific journal.

I fell in love with the axolotls, and that’s what drew me into the research.
Read More About Mateo Rull Garza 
Vanessa Chen, center, and friends
Vanessa Chen '22
Computer Science

Vanessa Chen likes computer science because it’s both logical and creative.

Computer science is creative problem-solving, and the way that you program is your own style.
Read More About Vanessa Chen