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

Lilian Whitehead in the files storage area at the Center for Lowell History.
Lilian Whitehead '27
Biology (sociology minor)

A work-study job with the Center for Lowell History is preparing Lilian Whitehead for a future museum career.

It’s a great experience for the direction I want to go in for my career.
Read More About Lilian Whitehead 
Najifa Tanjeem headshot
Najifa Tanjeem '25
Global Studies

Najifa Tanjeem came to UML to work with a psychology professor.

I was fascinated by her activist and feminist research.
Read More About Najifa Tanjeem 
Angela King Lines looks down at an open book in front of a black bookcase filled with more books
Angela King Lines '18
Criminal Justice

Angela King Lines is already on the front lines of fighting crime as a manager at Walmart. She says her degree in criminal justice helped prepare her for her next fight: reducing the backlog of DNA tests in rape and murder cases.

I really appreciate the flexibility of online learning. You can still do your career and get your degree.
Read More About Angela King Lines 
Claire Hall sitting at a table in UMass Lowell's Career and Co-op Center
Claire Hall '19
American Studies

UMass Lowell has always been part of Claire Hall’s life. Now, three decades after starting her degree in American studies, Hall can call herself a UML graduate.

I’ve done the cycle of life here. Now I have a degree, and I’m proud of it.
Read More About Claire Hall 
Julie Lawton admires a mural in Coburn Hall
Julie Lawton '21
Political Science

Joining a club as soon as she arrived on campus got Julie Lawton experience on two political campaigns as well as internships in the Boston mayor’s office and the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus – all within a year.

I think it’s cool that I can connect my classes with what I learned in my internship.
Read More About Julie Lawton