Not sure? That's OK
If you're not ready to choose your major, you’re not alone. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 80% of college students change their major at least once during their college career. 

College is a time for exploration, and UMass Lowell College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences can help you find the liberal arts major that's best for you.

Guided Exploration

Professor and student review artwork in a UMass Lowell art studio
Your first semesters as a ULA student will include a structured curriculum, while you work with a team of dedicated advisors who help you plan your college career and explore opportunities like study abroad and internships.
  • First-Year Seminar for ULA
    Learn about different majors by meeting faculty, students and alumni from across the college. The course also equips you to succeed as a university student, covering topics such as time management, study skills and an introduction to on-campus resources.

  • Breadth of Knowledge Core Curriculum Courses
    In your first semester as a ULA student, you will take courses across departments that fulfill core curriculum requirements. This way, you get to experience a range of departments while satisfying degree requirements, keeping you on track to timely graduation.

  • Advising
    Each ULA student has two dedicated advisors: 
    • Karen Humphrey-Johnson, College of FAHSS Director of Student Success 
    • Professional Advisor – Accredited, trained professionals who support you with issues ranging from academic advising to study skills, housing, financial aid, and student life

  • Exploring Majors & Careers Assessment
    The Career & Co-op Center offers a range of resources to help students, such as career and skills assessments and “What Can I Do With This Major?”

  • Peer Well-Being Leader
    ULA students are encouraged to meet with the FAHSS Peer Well-Being Leaders, who can provide peer coaching on many aspects of college life and beyond. 

Transition

  • Choose a Major
    Once you have chosen a major, you will meet with a faculty member from that department or program and be assigned a faculty advisor. You will discuss your Degree Pathway (your path to graduation), as well as opportunities for experiential learning (study abroad, internships, research with faculty, etc.). 

  • Interested in more than one major?
    You can declare a Bachelor of Liberal Arts (BLA) major, an exciting interdisciplinary program that offers you the opportunity to design a personalized program of study in two disciplines from over 27 options.

Consider Your Interests & Goals

Think about what you want to do with your life—What matters to you? What do you care about? Then ask yourself what skills you will need. For instance, if you are interested in video games, you can choose among several majors to pursue a career in the fast-growing video game industry.

Grow & Engage

A group of UMass Lowell design students in front of Tower Bridge in London.

As you progress in your major, you will work with faculty and staff advisors to explore options for experiential learning, minors, and opportunities beyond graduation.

  • Experiential Learning
    Our diverse experiential learning programs include internships, service learning, faculty-led research, study abroad and more. These unique experiences help you develop and sharpen your intellectual, entrepreneurial, social, self-confidence, emotional and decision-making skills.

  • Interdisciplinary Minors
    Interdisciplinary programs cross the traditional boundaries between academic disciplines and schools of thought as new needs and questions emerge. Since most significant issues have multiple causes, interdisciplinary programs integrate a wide range of perspectives to provide a more comprehensive understanding.

Student Profiles

UMass student Sandi DeRuntz stands in front of Difference Maker sign.
Sandi DeRuntz '25
Bachelor of Liberal Arts: Art and Psychology

Sandi DeRuntz invented ZipperBuddy, an aid for people with disabilities, through an interdisciplinary class and DifferenceMaker.

I’ve found my purpose: I want to create accessible devices.
Read More About Sandi DeRuntz 
Melissa DiPano poses with a large group of students in a classroom.
Melissa DiPano '20
Psychology & Spanish

A class in cognitive psychology inspired Melissa DiPano to do research with two professors and aim for a Ph.D.

I think I just lucked out as much as a psychology major possibly can.
Read More About Melissa DiPano 
Andrew Sciascia participated in a debate held at UMass Lowell
Andrew Sciascia '20
Political Science & Criminal Justice

Andrew Sciascia’s studies in political science and homeland security are combining with his student newspaper experience to prepare him for a career as a political analyst.

We all come to this university with a different story, and we are welcomed with open arms.
Read More About Andrew Sciascia 
UMass Lowell student-athlete Jade Catlin runs while holding a lacrosse stick.
Jade Catlin '25
Political Science

Political science major and lacrosse player Jade Catlin is making her mark as the team’s leading scorer while preparing for a career as a criminal defense attorney.

My goal is to go to the NCAA Tournament. When we get on the board there, this program is going to skyrocket, and it just takes a few small steps to get there first.
Read More About Jade Catlin 
Urdilinya Smith painting the new mural on South Campus at UMass Lowell
Urdilinya Smith ’23
Art

Urdilinya Smith helped paint the new mural on South Campus.

I want to carve out my own path, my own art, my own brand.
Read More About Urdilinya Smith