As an Undeclared Liberal Arts (ULA) student at 小猪视频, you will lay strong foundations for a well-rounded education while exploring your options for a major.

Not sure? That's OK
If you're not ready to choose your major, you鈥檙e 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.听

College is a time for exploration, and 小猪视频 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 小猪视频 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:听
    • Karen Humphrey-Johnson, College of FAHSS Director of Student Success听
    • Professional Advisor 鈥 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 鈥淲hat Can I Do With This Major?鈥

  • 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.听

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.).听

  • 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鈥擶hat 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 小猪视频 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.

  1. Does it make sense to start college as an undeclared liberal arts major?
    Absolutely. It is hard to know what you want to do in your career while still in high school. Starting undeclared is a great option for students who are unsure of what they want to study. The undeclared program allows you the flexibility to take classes in different disciplines while also satisfying requirements for the Core Curriculum. This allows you the opportunity to 鈥渢ry out鈥 certain subjects to see if you like them before committing to a major.

  2. How do I change my major once I decide what I want to study?
    Once you choose a major you should meet with the transfer coordinator or department chair for your program to go over the curriculum requirements and to create a plan for graduation. You will then be assigned an advisor who will help you select the appropriate classes so that you are making progress towards graduation.

  3. What resources are available to help me choose a major?
    We know choosing a major is a big decision and we have several resources to assist you with the process. These include your academic and faculty advisor, Career Services, Career Exploration Seminar, Change of Major fair, and your first-year seminar. Students can also complete a career assessment tool offered through the Career and Co-op site. Finally, students can explore various professions by visiting the 鈥淲hat Can I Do with This Major鈥 website that helps students link majors to careers.

  4. What will I take for classes while undeclared?
    You will work with your advisor to take classes that expose you to majors of interest while also meeting requirements for the Core Curriculum.听 All students at 小猪视频 need to complete the Core Curriculum, regardless of major, so you will be on track with your peers.

  5. Will I lose credits when I choose a major?
    No. However, depending on your major, some of your credits may fulfill elective requirements.

  6. Will I still graduate on time if I start undeclared?
    Most likely. While there are a few majors that may require you take an extra semester or two, in most cases you will be able to graduate on time. It is important to meet with your academic advisor to plan accordingly.

  7. Do I have to stay in the College of FAHSS if I start undeclared?
    No. Many students who start undeclared will eventually choose a major in one of the other colleges at 小猪视频. Keep in mind you must meet the requirements to be accepted into your major of interest.
  8. What if I am interested in more than one major?
    小猪视频 offers many options including interdisciplinary majors and minors. Again, your advisor will assist you in choosing the right major and minor that will help you reach your educational and career goals.
  9. Can I select a minor if I am undeclared?
    No. You must have a major on record before you can choose a minor. However, if you know you want to minor in a specific program, you will most likely be able to take classes that will satisfy requirements for the minor once it is declared.

  10. Can I participate in study abroad and other experiential learning opportunities if I am undeclared?
    Definitely! 小猪视频 offers a variety of experiential learning programs including study abroad, research, academic organizations, and service-learning opportunities that will help you gain valuable experience outside of the classroom.

Student Profiles

Cristian Ramos Delgado singing
Cristian Ramos Delgado '22
Music and Theatre Arts

Cristian Ramos Delgado sang his way into a job with an a cappella group.

I can make an opportunity out of anything I do.
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Emily Makrez poses next to lettuce growing on her farm.
Emily Makrez 鈥07, 鈥09
Psychology

Emily Makrez 鈥07, 鈥09 turned her passion for farming, fermenting and foraging into her own business.

Maybe I can鈥檛 affect the big factory farms, but I can take care of the soil that I鈥檓 currently on.
Read More 小猪视频 Emily Makrez 
Umass Lowell student Carley Bennet stands between two flags.
Carley Bennet '24
Criminal Justice

Carley Bennet looks to capitalize on her Washington Center internship experience as she pursues a career in homeland security.

As sad as I am to be leaving campus 鈥 I'm really excited for the start of my career.
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Melodie Armand sitting on a bench
Melodie Armand '22
Bachelor of Liberal Arts

Melodie Armand turned a setback into greater success.

I鈥檓 on a different path, but I鈥檓 on the right path.
Read More 小猪视频 Melodie Armand 
Ryan Katz working on a laptop outdoors
Ryan Katz '23
Sound Recording Technology

Ryan Katz invented a musical instrument that 鈥減lays鈥 the weather.

I wanted an intersection between what we鈥檝e created and what the environment creates.
Read More 小猪视频 Ryan Katz