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 Community Members Make Headlines During Pope Francis’ U.S. Visit
With Pope Francis arriving in the U.S., members of the College of the Holy Cross community have been busy sharing their stories and expertise about the first Jesuit pontiff coming to the U.S. with national, regional and local media. Juniors …
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Students to Showcase Work at Annual Summer Research Symposium and Internship Expo
Before the semester is well underway, students will be showcasing the broad gamut of work they took part in throughout the summer at the 22nd annual Summer Research Symposium and the eighth annual Internship Expo. The accomplishments of students from …
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Holy Cross Grad and Visiting Professor Receive Prestigious American Council of Learned Societies Fellowship
Alyssa L. Trometter, a member of the College of the Holy Cross class of 2008, and Nathaniel K. Powell, visiting lecturer at Holy Cross in spring 2015, both received the esteemed American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) Public Fellowship. Each …