STEM Exploration Series (SES)
SES is a multidimensional advising resource that provides LTSC students with an opportunity to explore the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through:
- Exploring STEM Lecture Series and Where Can STEM Take You Fair
- STEM focused UNIV100 and 107 courses
- Valuable research and leadership opportunities
- Access to guidance and support from knowledgeable advisors
Contact
Tara Feikes
Letters and Sciences students benefit from these resources and are able to:
- Explore different STEM careers
- Examine related academic interests
- Refine their career goals
The STEM Exploration Series is open to all students in Letters and Sciences. Continue to explore our website to find out more about the various services offered. You can discuss with your academic advisor which options are most appropriate for you to participate.
Spring Semester
The STEM lecture series provide students interested in STEM fields to explore their major options as well as learn more about LEP STEM programs and requirements. Review the Spring 2024 STEM lecture series and register for an upcoming event.
Each lecture is open to all UMD students and each week speakers will highlight different STEM topics. Below is a list of previous lectures typically offered.
- Research & Internships: Gaining research and internship experience early in your academic career will be beneficial in building competencies that employers and graduate programs seek in candidates interested in pursuing a STEM career. At this session, students will understand the importance of gaining research and internship experience as an undergraduate student and come away with some tips for finding research opportunities.
- Exploring Environmental Science & Geographical Science: Curious about the Environmental & Geographical Sciences? Join representatives from the Environmental Sciences and Geographical Sciences programs to learn about major options and potential career opportunities for those interested in these fields.
- UMD School of Public Health Majors: Representative(s) from the School of Public Health will provide an overview of their majors and discuss career opportunities associated with School of Public Health majors.
- Exploring Pre-Health: At this session, representatives from the Reed-Yorke Health Professions Advising Office will give an overview of pre-health career pathways, including medicine, dentistry, nursing and other allied health professions.
- Landscape Architecture: Learn about landscape architecture and potential job opportunities within the industry.
- Exploring Information Science, Computer Science & Immersive Media Design: Join representatives from the College of Information Studies (iSchool) and the College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences (CMNS) for a discussion about the fields of Computer and Information Sciences, learn about the new Immersive Media Design-Computing major, and hear about research and career opportunities within these disciplines.
- What is Engineering?: Engineering is a vast field and specialties range from Mechanical or Civil Engineering, to Aerospace or Electrical Engineering. This session will explain the differences between each field of study, and will help students answer the question “What is engineering?”
- LEP STEM Admission Information Session: At this program, a representative from Undergraduate Admissions will explain the limited enrollment program (LEP) admission requirements and application process regarding admission into STEM majors: Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Science, all Engineering majors, Environmental Science- Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, Immersive Media Design, and Neuroscience.
- LTSC Alumni Student Panel: Join Letters & Sciences alumni as they share their experiences and journeys toward pursuing STEM and non-STEM related majors.
- Are you ARHU? ARHU Majors and STEM: Students will learn about opportunities within the arts and humanities fields and how they relate to STEM.
Fall Semester
LEP Admission Workshop
The LEP Admissions Workshop is hosted by the Office of Letters and Sciences and University Admissions. The session overviews Limited Enrollment Program (LEP) requirements for programs at the University of Maryland, as well as policies impacting the LEP application process for students transferring into an LEP program.
This year's session will be on October 25, 2023 - 2:00 - 3:00 PM in PLS 1140.
Where Can STEM Take You Fair (WCSTY)
The Where Can STEM Take You Fair provides students, interested in STEM fields, the opportunity to explore their major options and career paths as well as learn more about LEP STEM programs. This event is required for all students in a UNIV 100 STEM section, but it is also available to all UMD students.
In addition to attending the Where Can STEM Take You Fair, UNIV 100 STEM section students will also attend LEP STEM Admission Information Session.
WHERE CAN STEM TAKE YOU?
Career & Major Information Fair
November 1, 2023 - 2:00 - 4:00 PM STAMP Atrium
Access pre-recorded videos now to learn the different STEM majors!
UNIV 100: The Student in the University
The Student in the University is a 1-credit course designed to assist students in their successful transition to the University of Maryland (UM) and to serve as an extended orientation to campus living and learning. Students will begin to better understand themselves and those around them within the context of the UM community. Specific sections for students interested in STEM will allow students to learn together and build a sense of community among students with similar interests. Additionally, this course will help students begin their exploration of the world of STEM and the many avenues to a successful career. Students in this UNIV100 will receive an in-class lecture on Rigors of STEM and be required to attend the annual Where Can STEM Take You Fair and LEP STEM Admission Information Session.
Eligibility
- Must be a Letters and Sciences first semester freshman interested in STEM.
UNIV 107: STEM Exploration Series Colloquium
Offered in the spring semester, the Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Colloquium is a 1-credit hour career development and exploration course for Letters & Sciences students who indicate interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related majors housed within the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, A. James Clark School of Engineering, School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation and College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The course will focus on career and major exploration, career development and undergraduate research. Additionally, this course will assist students to begin their exploration of the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and the various avenues to STEM related professions.
Students in this UNIV107 will be required to attend STEM Lecture Series and LEP STEM Admission Information Session.
Eligibility
- Must be a current Letters and Sciences student.
In UNIV 107, students will work in a group to solve a Grand Challenge. Grand Challenges harness science, technology, and innovation to solve important national or global problems. Students will also learn:
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Resume to Apply for Internships |
Scholarly Research & Bibliography |
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Networking |
Presentation Skills |
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Multidisciplinary Teamwork |
STEM Study Strategies
STEM majors require the students to spend at least 3-4 hours for each STEM credit they take. There are STEM Study Strategies that will help students to study smarter and more effective. If you are pursuing STEM majors, we recommend you to review the presentation.
Other Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Any student in Letters and Sciences who might be interested in a career in STEM is welcome to take part in all or part of the opportunities offered through SES by signing up for a class, workshop, or seminar. You should talk with your academic advisor concerning your interest and eligibility for the programs and opportunities.
No, these classes are recommended, but not required, for any student who is contemplating a career in STEM and would like the assistance of the STEM Exploration Series.
Yes, while enrollment in UNIV 100/107 may make attendance at some opportunities mandatory, the events are open to all Letters and Sciences students.
Through our classes, lecture series and challenges, the SES program will offer assistance in the application process into STEM LEP programs. However, we will also expose students to parallel majors that can assist students in achieving their career goals.
No, each STEM LEP program is entirely responsible for their own admission decisions, though we do consult with LEP programs to make sure that our students have the best information for completing their applications in a successful manner.
- All students at UMD are strongly encouraged to be active and involved. You can find opportunities to join organizations and departments such as, but not limited to, the Residence Hall Association, Office of Community Service Learning, Student Government Association, and several major specific group organizations. Find yours at Student Organization Resource Center.
- The Maryland Center for Undergraduate Research is dedicated to promoting and facilitating research experiences for undergraduate students.
- Education abroad provides opportunities for international, academically-based experiences in support of students’ personal, professional and intellectual development. For more specific information on Education abroad visit:
- Finally, internships are available to students at all levels of their academic career. Find out if you are Career Ready.