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 student Melanie Khiem poses with Visiting Lecturer Matthew Beyranevand.
Melanie Khiem '26
Mathematics

Melanie Khiem is exploring career paths for math majors.

My RHSA success coach thought that research might interest me.
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UMass Lowell student Stephanie Ceballos stands outside the Royal Palace in Madrid during a study abroad trip.
Stephanie Ceballos '25
Biochemistry

Whether studying abroad or conducting research, Stephanie Ceballos is making the most out of her UMass Lowell experience.

Joining a club is a good way to feel part of the UMass Lowell community.
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Ericka Boudreau poses with another researcher outdoors in Oregon.
Ericka Boudreau '22
Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

Earth System Science Ph.D. student Ericka Boudreau is on her way to becoming a triple River Hawk.

I enrolled in the Ph.D. program because I loved the research I was doing and wanted to continue to develop those skills.
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Tom Heywosz writes formulas on a white board
Thomas Heywosz '18, '19
Math and UTeach

Thomas Heywosz’s experiences in the UTeach program and in Haiti have made him a successful high school math teacher.

You just know when it’s a good fit, like when I toured UMass Lowell: I just knew it was the right choice.
Read More About Thomas Heywosz