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 to Host Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence from Sri Lanka
The College of the Holy Cross has been selected to host Gamini Keerawella, senior professor of history at the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka, as a Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence for the 2013-2014 academic year.  Keerawella, an expert in south Asian …
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Faculty Promotions Announced at Holy Cross
Six faculty members at the College of the Holy Cross have been promoted to the rank of professor. Victor Matheson, of the department of economics, earned his Ph. D. and M.A. in economics from the University of Minnesota and his …
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Students to Showcase Their Accomplishments at 20th Annual Summer Research Symposium
A total of 107 Holy Cross students who conducted research during the summer will present their work in poster form at the 20th annual Undergraduate Summer Research Symposium on Sept. 6 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Hogan Campus …