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

Francesca Kamwa on a spiral staircase in the nuclear reactor at UMass Lowell
Francesca Kamwa '22
Radiological Health Physics

Francesca Kamwa ’21 nearly dropped out when her father died. Thanks to support from UML faculty, she’s now applying to medical schools.

There have been a lot of ups and downs, but UMass Lowell has given me so many opportunities.
Read More About Francesca Kamwa 
Liam with a telescope
Liam Neeley '23
Physics

Physics major Liam Neeley spends his nights looking at the stars as a student worker at the UMass Lowell Schueller Observatory.

With this research, I’m applying what I’ve been learning in class.
Read More About Liam Neeley 
Frances Skinner and Professor Gkikas in the chemisty lab
Frances Skinner '19
Chemistry, Political Science

Frances Skinner ’19 gained lab skills and confidence while working in Chemistry Asst. Prof. Manos Gkikas’ lab

I learned a lot of fundamentals in Gkikas’ lab, which gave me a lot more confidence working in a laboratory environment.
Read More About Frances Skinner 
UMass Lowell student Ginika Okoli smiles while holding two candy bars.
Ginika Okoli '24
Mathematics

A data analytics summer internship at candy giant Mars Inc. gave Ginika Okoli a new perspective on her mathematics degree.

I did not expect myself to be where I am right now, but UMass Lowell has held my hand the whole way.
Read More About Ginika Okoli