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's, doctoral

*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

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 
Jasmine Seng.
Jasmine Seng '25, '27
Environmental Science

Jasmine Seng ’25 translated her passion for geoscience into real-world climate resilience work through a CELT Municipal Fellowship.

Get involved early. The experiences you gain outside the classroom can completely shape your future.
Read More About Jasmine Seng 
Sam Colby is standing next to the Kennedy of Science sign
Sam Colby '23
Mathematics

Between the mathematics and UTeach programs, UMass Lowell was a perfect fit for aspiring math teacher Sam Colby.

I’ve had a great experience at UMass Lowell. This place has everything that you’d ever need.
Read More About Sam Colby 
Payal Patel sits in front of laptop
Payal Patel '21
Biology, UTeach

When Payal Patel started college as an engineering major, she missed tutoring and teaching – so she decided to make education her career.

At UMass Lowell, you have that flexibility to change your career path.
Read More About Payal Patel