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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

Faculty

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

Opportunities

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

After Graduation

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

History News

Holy Cross Academic Conference to Showcase Student Work

As the academic year comes to an end, the College of the Holy Cross will celebrate the great and varied work accomplished by its students at the annual Academic Conference taking place across campus from April 27 through April 30. The four-day conference gives students from all class years the opportunity to present the results of their independent research and course work done in a variety of environments—from campus classrooms and libraries to within the Worcester community; from research labs and study abroad locations to art studios and field sites.

Dos Estudiantes de Holy Cross Reflejan Sobre Su Viaje a la República Dominicana

Durante las vacaciones de la primavera, 25 estudiantes viajaron a la República Dominicana con Rosa Carrasquillo, una profesora adjunta en College of the Holy Cross, como parte de su clase, “Raza e Identidad.” La clase de historia está dada completamente …

Holy Cross Professor Reflects on Pope Francis’ Fourth Year

March 13th marked Pope Francis’ fourth year as bishop of Rome, “and pastor of the world,” Rev. Thomas Worcester S.J., professor of history at the College of the Holy Cross, reported for the Huffington Post. “His first three years have …