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 Produces Nine Fulbright Scholars
Eight members of the Class of 2014 and one member of the Class of 2012 have been awarded Fulbright grants to work and teach abroad during the 2014-15 academic year. Since 2005, Holy Cross has received a total of 70 …
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‘African community leaders call for Nigeria to respond to kidnappings’
In a recent segment for Worcester News Tonight, Munya Munochiveyi, assistant professor of history at the College of the Holy Cross, offered his insight on the recent kidnapping of more than 200 girls in Nigeria. Specializing in African social and …
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Klett ’14 Awarded Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to Sri Lanka
Madeleine Klett ’14, of Arlington, Va., has been awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to Sri Lanka where she will teach English to Sri Lankan students during the 2014-15 academic year. She will also meet and interview Sri Lankan contemporary …