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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Wide Range of Faculty Experts at Holy Cross Available to Discuss Pope’s First U.S. Visit
Faculty experts in a wide range of disciplines from the College of the Holy Cross are available to offer distinctive perspectives on Pope Francis’ first visit to the U.S., Sept. 22 – 27, 2015.  For more information, or for assistance …
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Photo Gallery: Students Conduct Cutting-Edge Summer Research on Campus
After the academic year ended, over 100 students returned to spend their summers on campus where they participated in leading research spanning a range of  disciplines: 67 students engaged in research in the sciences; 31 in the humanities, social sciences, …
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Three Holy Cross Alumni Ordained into Priesthood
Three alumni from the College of the Holy Cross have recently been ordained into the priesthood. Rev. Brent H. Otto, S.J.’01, and Rev. Loren Adam DeLeon, S.J. ’03, have been ordained into the Society of Jesus and Father Alexander Scott …