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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C-SPAN’s American History TV Airs Edward O’Donnell’s Talk on Inequality in the Gilded Age
Edward O’Donnell, associate professor of history at the College of the Holy Cross, gave a talk on his latest book “Henry George and the Crisis of Inequality: Progress and Poverty in the Gilded Age” (Columbia University Press, 2015) for C-SPAN …
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Discussion Series to Continue Campus Dialogue on Social Injustices and Solidarity
This semester, the College of the Holy Cross will be hosting a four-part discussion series, titled “Campus Conversations: Social Justice and Solidarity – Community Voices Heard,” aimed to address the complex issues that have surfaced between law enforcement, and the …
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Video: Holy Cross Faculty Offer Multidisciplinary Analysis of Pope’s Encyclical on Environment
In advance of Pope Francis’ historic visit to the United States, a multidisciplinary panel of Holy Cross faculty shared their perspectives on his encyclical letter, “Laudato si’: On Care for Our Common Home,” released in May. The panel, speaking before …