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 Says Farewell to Seven Retiring Professors
They’ve taught generations of Holy Cross students in classrooms, laboratories, arts venues and even locales abroad. Now, these esteemed faculty members are retiring: Robert Bertin, Distinguished Professor of Science; Thomas Cecil, Distinguished Professor of Science; Barbara Craig, associate professor of …
Paulina Martin '21
Holy Cross Student Summer: Paulina Martin ’21
Paulina Martin ’21 Summer Plans: Intern, United Way/Worcester Together Hometown: Mansfield, MA Major: History Summer Plans I am interning with the United Way of Central Massachusetts. Primarily, I work with “Worcester Together,” a partnership of organizations collaborating to help the …
Summer Campus Scenic. Photo by Avanell Brock
Holy Cross Religious Studies Professor Receives $5,000 Grant from the Wabash Center
Holy Cross Religious Studies Professor Tat siong Benny Liew has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion to explore teaching and learning about race and racial dynamics in ways that …