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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Blog: DeSantis ’18 Shares the Unique and Special Student Experience at Holy Cross
NAME Michael DeSantis ’18 HOMETOWN Pittsburgh STUDIES HE’S CONSIDERING History major WHY HE CHOSE HOLY CROSS “I applied to Holy Cross because of its excellent academics and the many positives of its liberal arts education, such as small classes and …
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Students Showcase Work at Summer Research Symposium and Summer Internship Program Expo
The Hogan Campus Center at the College of the Holy Cross will be buzzing with action as the tremendous scope of work students participated in over the summer is showcased at the 21st annual Undergraduate Summer Research Symposium in the …
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‘Order Restored’
In an article for America magazine, Rev.  Thomas Worcester, S.J., professor of history at the College of the Holy Cross, discusses the turbulent history of the Jesuits, in light of the 200th anniversary of the restoration of the order in …