Program Overview
Introduction to the Undeclared Sciences Program
The Undeclared Sciences Program at the Kennedy College of Sciences allows students 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.
Program Overview
Within the program, students gain an overview of the different majors in the college and associated career paths. They refine their interests, assess their values, and evaluate their strengths to make a more informed decision about which major works best for them.
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 students to the full range of disciplinary options within the College of Sciences.
During the semester, students 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 their interests
- Visit various college facilities, including robotics and biology labs, the particle accelerator, and nuclear reactor
Programs of Study at Kennedy College of Sciences
The college offers a range of undergraduate majors and minors, including:
Undergraduate Majors
- Actuarial Studies, B.A.
- Applied Mathematics and Statistics, B.S.
- Options in Applied and Computational Mathematics, Statistics
- Biology, B.S.
- Options in Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, Ecology, Evolution and Organismal, Pre-Medical/Pre-Health
- Chemistry, B.S.
- Options in Biochemistry, Forensic Science, STEM Teaching, Sustainability
- Climate Change and Sustainability, B.A.
- Computer Science, B.S.
- Options in Bio-Cheminformatics, CyberSecurity, Data Science
- Engineering Physics, B.S.
- Options in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear
- Environmental Science, B.S.
- Options in Environmental Science, Geoscience
- Information Technology, B.S. (online)
- Mathematics, B.S.
- Option in STEM Teaching
- Meteorology & Atmospheric Science, B.S.
- Physics, B.S.
- Options in Astronomy and Astrophysics, Radiological Health Physics
Minors
- Atmospheric Science Minor
- Biological Sciences
- Chemistry
- Climate Change and Sustainability (interdisciplinary)
- Computer Science
- Geology
- Geoscience
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Robotics (interdisciplinary)
- STEM Teaching (UTeach) (interdisciplinary)
Summer Engagement Prior to First Semester
If a student selects Undeclared Sciences, the program director meets with them individually during the summer prior to their first Fall semester. During the meeting, they review and assess the student's initial interests, experiences, and qualifications to determine an optimal course schedule. This allows students to explore multiple pathways compatible with their goals while ensuring they remain on-track for graduation.
Students also have the opportunity to meet with faculty from different science programs and from across campus for additional guidance or to explore academic and co-curricular possibilities.