The International Studies Program
Denis V. Kennedy
Director of the International Studies Program
Associate Professor Political Science
Email: dkennedy@holycross.edu
Office: Fenwick Hall 303 Phone: 508-793-3716
Nancy Loyd Boyd
Academic Administrative Assistant
Email: nloydboy@holycross.edu
Office: Fenwick 325 Phone: 508-793-3361
Applying to the Program
Holy Cross students interested in the International Studies major should contact the program director to discuss their interests. After this meeting, students must apply for the major through the Student Program Application system. There is no cap on the number of majors or minimum GPA requirement for the major. The application is intended to assist students in developing an appropriate major curriculum related to their regional focus and major theme.
Download the 2022 - 2023 International Studies Program Brochure (PDF)
Fall 2023 Application Dates
Applications accepted: August 29, 2023 through October 6, 2023.
Spring 2024 Application Dates
Application accepted January 23, 2024 through February 9, 2024.
Exploring the Major
Students considering the International Studies major should begin or continue language study as soon as possible. Prospective students should also enroll in one or more of the introductory courses (see major requirements) and/or pursue a history course related to their region of interest. Students should also contact the director of International Studies to discuss curricular options and to seek other faculty contacts who may be able to assist them with their particular curricular interests.
Faculty
As a multidisciplinary program, the International Studies faculty reside in their home Departments of Economics and Accounting, History, Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, Political Science, Religious Studies, Sociology & Anthropology, and Spanish. The Director of International Studies can assist students in identifying faculty advisors.
Study Abroad and Semester Away
While it is not possible to require study abroad for completion of the major, International Studies majors will be strongly encouraged to study abroad in their region or participate in a summer (Maymester) opportunity to travel abroad.
Ideally, students should study abroad in their second language; however, that may not be possible in every case. In some cases there may be a good rationale for a student to study in an English speaking country. For example, a student interested in terrorism might find it more appropriate to study at the Handa Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence at St. Andrew’s in Scotland, or a student interested in economic development might benefit from a year at the University of Sussex Department of International Development. A student interested in foreign policy may choose to intern at the State Department through the Washington Semester Program or a United Nations agency through the New York City Semester Program. However, the expectation is that majors will normally study abroad or participate in a semester away program. Students should discuss study abroad/internship opportunities with their faculty advisors.
Alumni Success
While many of our graduates have gone on to careers in government, business, and the armed forces, recent graduates have also pursued careers in finance, policy analysis, and law. The major would also be appropriate for students interested in journalism, high school teaching, nonprofit organizations, and higher education.