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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Senior Spotlight: Unique Experiences at Holy Cross Develop Students, Says Camille Santrach
NAME Camille Santrach HOMETOWN North Oaks, Minn. STUDIES History major, Resistance, Revolution and Reaction concentration BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Student Programs for Urban Development (SPUD), the Magis program, Women’s Spirituality, Liturgical Minister, senior Admissions interviewer. Participated in Appalachian and Kenya immersion …
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Student Profile: John Milligan ’17
HOMETOWN Sandwich, Mass. ACADEMICS History major ACTIVITIES Resident assistant for first-year students, program coordinator for Summer Gateways Orientation, Student Government Association senate, mock trial team Why did you become an Orientation Leader? “Beginning college can be scary and it was …
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Historian Sheds Light on Ukrainian Crisis — in the Classroom and Beyond
Unrest in Ukraine and Russia has dominated the news for more than a year. Cynthia Hooper, associate professor of history at Holy Cross, looks beyond the headlines and sound bites to find out why. Her passion for digging deeper into …