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


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

Cassia Fontes wears a graduation cap while she floats in an inflatable tube in a water tank at UMass Lowell
Cassia Fontes ’22, ’23
Radiological Sciences and Protection

Double River Hawk Cassia Fontes’ work with the Radiation Safety Office has set her apart in the job market.

I’m getting attention from all these companies because of the opportunities UMass Lowell gave me.
Read More About Cassia Fontes 
Surbhi Kanthed (center) and two other students pictured at Technica 2019, a hackathon.
Surbhi Kanthed '19
Computer Science

Surbhi Kanthed’s team won a huge hackathon for women students – and now she is working at Red Hat.

The professors help you, they groom you and they teach you so many things.
Read More About Surbhi Kanthed 
UMass Lowell alumnus Michael Souza shakes the hand of Governor Maura Healey while another student looks on.
Michael Souza ’13, ’14 ’13, ’14
Meteorology and Atmospheric Science

Michael Souza ’13, ’14 is the go-to meteorologist at the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.

The university helped shape me into the scientist that I am today.
Read More About Michael Souza ’13, ’14 
Jacob Solomon in lab
Jacob Solomon ’18
English & Mathematics

Jacob Solomon is as well-rounded as they come. The honors English and math major is assisting with research in a biology lab.

As a college student, I don’t just want to do such-and-such professional task. I want to learn and convince myself that the world is accessible to me.
Read More About Jacob Solomon