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

ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ 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,Ìýdoctoral


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

Biology and economics major Caroline DeSouza diving off the coast of the Colombian island of San Andrés.
Caroline DeSouza '24
Biological Sciences, Economics

A research opportunity helped Caroline DeSouza see that marine biology was an attainable career.

It’s great to have a mentor who understands what it’s like to be a woman in biology.
Read More ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Caroline DeSouza 
Stephanie Guglielmo poses on a street in Puerto del Sol
Stephanie Guglielmo '25
Mathematics

Honors student Stephanie Guglielmo is all about studying abroad.

I just want to see as many places as I can.
Read More ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Stephanie Guglielmo 
Annie Cary canoes in a lake surrounded by mountains while wearing a life jacket and holding a paddle.
Annie Cary '25
Biological Sciences

Annie Cary found herself wading through lakes in search of stickleback fish as part of her immunology research.

It’s great that you can get funding for (research) opportunities like this.
Read More ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Annie Cary 
Haris Mukanga at the Massachusetts State House, receiving a standing ovation during Gov. Maura Healey’s State of the Commonwealth address.
Haris Mukanga '28
Computer Science

Haris Mukanga’s passion for computer science drew the praise of Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey.

Hopefully I can inspire other people to take advantage of these resources and dream big as well.
Read More ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Haris Mukanga