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

UMAss Lowell computer science student Abdullah Abou Mahmoud sits outside of an office building next to the Microsoft logo
Abdullah Abou Mahmoud ’23
Computer Science

An internship with Microsoft turned into a full-time job offer for computer science major Abdullah Abou Mahmoud.

At UMass Lowell, I am getting a great education at a great value, as well as work experience and a great community.
Read More About Abdullah Abou Mahmoud 
UMass Lowell student Albert Farah is seated at a desk while looking at a computer and tablet.
Albert Farah '24
Physics, Mathematics

Albert Farah found multiple paid research experiences at UMass Lowell.

The professors are really excited to talk about their research, and that infuses itself into me.
Read More About Albert Farah 
Adam Norton
Adam Norton ’10
Graphic Design

Adam Norton’s experience at the UMass Lowell robotics lab and Revolving Museum allowed him to work with iRobot on educational school visits to get the next generation hooked on robotics.

I may not know a person, but if I find out they’re from UMass Lowell, we automatically have a connection.
Read More About Adam Norton 
UMass Lowell Image
Robert Giles ’86
Physics

Bob Giles' Submillimeter Wave Technology Laboratory brings in $5 million per year and his biomedical imaging research will help cancer patients, but its his work in Haiti that is close to his heart.

As a student and as a professor, the opportunities to follow are limitless. You can just dream here.
Read More About Robert Giles