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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Holy Cross Students Attribute Liberal Arts Education to Their Win at the International Business Ethics Case Competition
Holy Cross students James Barone ’17, Daniel Apadula ’17, James O’Connor ‘18, and Abigeal Lynch ’19 placed first in their division for the 25-minute presentation portion at the 20th International Business Ethics Case Competition (IBECC) held from April 20 to …
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‘Holy Cross honors Rev. Kuzniewski with field dedication’
Last Friday during halftime at the Holy Cross vs. Boston University men’s lacrosse game, the College of the Holy Cross dedicated Holy Cross Field, home of the men’s and women’s lacrosse teams and the football team’s practice facility, to Rev. …
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‘Why the New $20 Bill Matters’
In a recent blog post for The Huffington Post, Edward O’Donnell, associate professor of history at the College of the Holy Cross, discusses why it’s a good thing that Harriet Tubman will be the new face of the $20 bill. …