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

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Following the USA Gymnastics Scandal, Holy Cross Professor Describes Historical Pattern of Abuse Over Female Athletes
Last week, in what was one of the biggest sexual abuse crises in American sport history, former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar was sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison after being accused of sexually abusing more than 150 …
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Ten Years of Montserrat: Holy Cross’ First-Year Program Invites Students to Challenge, Question from Day One
The sculptures of Shih Chieh Huang’s “Reusable Universe” — built from recycled Tupperware, plastic bags, fans and light bulbs — appeared to float just below the darkened ceiling of the Worcester Art Museum. They had been wired to detect motion, …
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How Do Holy Cross Students Get into Medical School?
Just about everyone who applies to medical school has top grades and test scores. So who gets in and who doesn’t? Often it comes down to “miles traveled” — experiences outside the classroom that show an applicant’s abilities beyond technical …