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 

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

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 About Caroline DeSouza 
Shakira Fedna sorts pills
Shakira Fedna '23
Biology

Shakira Fedna came to UMass Lowell because of the River Hawk Scholars Academy, a support program for first-generation college students.

Everybody you come into contact with in the RHSA wants to see you succeed.
Read More About Shakira Fedna 
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 About Annie Cary 
Jose Archila Quezada in front of Emergency Room doors
José Archila Quezada '22
Applied Biomedical Sciences

José Archila Quezada found support and a network of friends in the MAGIC program, which helps students from underrepresented groups pursue medical school.

Through MAGIC, I saw that we could help each other. That’s where I got a community.
Read More About José Archila Quezada