History

History: Major

The study of history at Holy Cross not only seeks to understand the past; it also offers deep personal enrichment for a thoughtful, even passionate, engagement in the challenges of the present. Among the most encompassing academic disciplines, history is informed by economics, sociology, anthropology, political science, the arts and literature.

Working with innovative faculty experts, students explore a diverse range of interests and a broad selection of topics from “Traditional” East Asia to Modern Latin America, Gilded Age America to Imperial Russia. Students learn how politics, social and economic developments, and cultural life interact.

Students of all interests, passions, and goals study history at Holy Cross. Graduates use their training to pursue careers in law, medicine, government service, business, teaching and a host of other vocations. 

Program Highlights

Students enrolled in history at Holy Cross explore their major and gain depth in a particular aspect of history through a global concentration. Spanning geographic locations and time, students select from the following themes:

  • Colonialism and Empire
  • Gender in Public and Private Life
  • Race and Ethnicity
  • Resistance, Revolution, and Reaction
  • Knowledge and Belief
  • War and Memory
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Faculty

With 18 full-time professors, the department is one of the largest history departments among liberal arts colleges.

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Opportunities

Students can augment their studies through honors programs and hands-on experiences.

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After Graduation

Find out what students can do with a history major, and check out the careers of some recent alumni.

History News

Matthew Cummings '20 works with a scanning tunneling microscope in the physical chemistry lab of Gaby Avila-Bront, assistant professor of chemistry.
Over 100 Students Spend Their Summer Conducting Research Around the World
For 113 Holy Cross students, summer has been a time to dive deep into innovative research through the Weiss Summer Research Program. Sixty-eight students conducted research in the natural sciences; 37 in the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts; and …
Holy Cross History Professor Specializing in Kremlin Media Strategy Is Sought-After Expert on U.S.-Russian Affairs
With the world keeping tabs on U.S.-Russia relations in anticipation of the second bilateral meeting between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, media across the country are turning to Cynthia Hooper, associate professor of history and director of Russian and …
(standing) Jonathan Mulrooney, Cristi Rinklin, Susan Amatangelo, Jeffrey Bernstein, (seated) Cynthia Stone, Rosa Carrasquillo, Ellen Perry on Fenwick Porch
Eight Holy Cross Faculty Members Promoted to Rank of Professor
After years of research and accomplishments in their respective fields, eight Holy Cross faculty members have been promoted to the rank of professor. Below, the professors share their thoughts on their careers, scholarship and more.