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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Video: Students Delve Into Culture Through Nicaragua Immersion Program
Video by Kate Benjamin ’15 During winter break, 16 Holy Cross students participated in an immersion program to Nicaragua to gain greater knowledge of the culture, social and political reality of the developing country. Kate Benjamin ’15, a history major …
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Four Holy Cross Professors Recognized for Teaching, Scholarship and Service
Four members of the College of the Holy Cross faculty have been honored with the Arthur J. O’Leary Faculty Recognition Award. These $12,000 honoraria are given each year by the Office of the Senior Vice President to senior faculty members …
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Holy Cross History Professor Receives Distinguished Teaching Award
Theresa M. McBride, professor of history, and a member of the College of the Holy Cross faculty since 1973, received the 2012 Distinguished Teaching Award at the College’s annual President’s Convocation and Awards Ceremony. The Holy Cross Distinguished Teaching Award …