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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Photos: Holy Cross Takes Over NYC for Event-Filled Ram-Crusader Cup Weekend
In unprecedented fashion, the College of the Holy Cross took over New York City for Veteran’s Day weekend — and a what a weekend it was. Three days of events held across NYC were centered around the Ram-Crusader Cup, an …
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Holy Cross To Spend a Night at the Worcester Historical Museum
On Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 5:45 p.m., the College of the Holy Cross community will be celebrating “Holy Cross Night at the Museum” at Worcester Historical Museum. The event, which is a part of the museum’s “Worcester in 50 Objects” …
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Mark Shriver ’86 to Speak About New Book on Pope Francis at Holy Cross
College of the Holy Cross alumnus Mark K. Shriver ’86, president of Save the Children Action Network and nephew of President John F. Kennedy, will speak at Holy Cross on Wednesday, Nov. 30 about his new book, “Pilgrimage: My Search …