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

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

Mark Micire
Mark Micire ’11
Computer Science

Mark Micire’s unique work experience and education have been able to help people in their darkest hour. He designs robotics systems that help coordinate efforts at search and rescue sites.

The people in Prof. Yanco's lab come out as better scientists and better people
Read More About Mark Micire 
Kristin Kahla, env image
Kristin Kahla ’19
Biology

Perseverance and support from UMass Lowell helped Kristin Kahla ’19 reach her goal of getting accepted into medical school.

The fact that UMass Lowell offers pre-health advising to students and alumni is very important.
Read More About Kristin Kahla 
Student working in a UMass Lowell laboratory
Noah Mason '23
Chemistry

An introduction to research helped Noah Mason find his passion.

I feel really at home in the department.
Read More About Noah Mason 
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