The College of the Holy Cross has specific language requirements for both domestic and international students, particularly in the context of admissions and graduation requirements. Here’s a breakdown of what’s expected:

1. For International Students: English Language Proficiency

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Holy Cross typically requires a minimum TOEFL score of 100 on the internet-based test (iBT).
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): The minimum required score for the IELTS is generally 7.0.
• Duolingo English Test: As an alternative, some international students may submit a Duolingo English Test score, with a typical minimum requirement of 120.
• Exceptions: International students who have attended English-speaking secondary schools or completed a full academic year at an English-speaking institution may qualify for an exemption from these requirements.

2. Second Language Requirement for Graduation (for All Students)

• Holy Cross has a second-language proficiency requirement for graduation, as part of its liberal arts curriculum. All students are expected to demonstrate intermediate proficiency in a second language, which aligns with the college’s Jesuit emphasis on global citizenship and cultural awareness.
• Ways to Fulfill the Requirement:
  • Course Completion: Students can fulfill the requirement by completing designated courses in languages offered by the college, such as Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Arabic, and others.
  • Placement Tests: Students who have prior knowledge of a language may take a placement test to assess their proficiency level. Depending on the results, they may place out of the requirement or be placed in an appropriate course.
  • AP/IB Credit: Students who score well on AP or IB language exams may receive credit toward fulfilling the language requirement.

3. Study Abroad Language Preparations

• For students planning to study abroad in non-English-speaking countries, Holy Cross often requires additional language preparation in the language spoken in the host country, aligning with the college’s commitment to cultural immersion.

Holy Cross’s language requirements reflect its mission to cultivate global awareness and cultural sensitivity, as well as to ensure that international students are prepared for an English-speaking academic environment.

Admissions & Aid

The College of the Holy Cross, located in Worcester, Massachusetts, is a private liberal arts college with strong academic programs that reflect its Jesuit heritage. Known for its rigorous academic environment, Holy Cross offers a wide range of majors and minors across the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences, emphasizing intellectual depth, social responsibility, and ethical leadership. Here are some of the college's distinctive academic specialties:

1. Liberal Arts & Humanities

• Religious Studies and Philosophy: As a Jesuit institution, Holy Cross places significant emphasis on theological and philosophical studies, offering in-depth programs that explore ethics, spirituality, and global religions.
• English: The English program at Holy Cross is highly regarded for its focus on literary analysis, critical thinking, and writing skills, with opportunities for creative writing and interdisciplinary studies.
• History and Political Science: With strong faculty and comprehensive courses, these programs allow students to examine historical contexts and political systems, both domestically and internationally.

2. Sciences and Mathematics

• Biology and Chemistry: Holy Cross has robust programs in natural sciences with a strong focus on research. The school provides opportunities for students to engage in collaborative research projects and gain hands-on experience in laboratories.
• Neuroscience: Known for interdisciplinary studies, the neuroscience program combines biology, psychology, and cognitive science, preparing students for careers in medicine, research, and related fields.
• Mathematics and Computer Science: The college offers courses in pure and applied mathematics and has an evolving computer science curriculum, including data science and software development.

3. Social Sciences

• Economics and Accounting: Holy Cross’s economics and accounting programs are particularly popular, emphasizing quantitative analysis, economic theory, and practical applications.
• Psychology: With a strong emphasis on experimental and clinical psychology, this program offers students an understanding of human behavior through both theoretical and applied perspectives.
• Sociology and Anthropology: These programs examine social structures, cultural differences, and social justice, which are central to the college’s mission of community engagement and service.

4. Interdisciplinary and Global Studies

• International Studies: This interdisciplinary program combines political science, economics, history, and languages, preparing students for careers in international relations, government, and global organizations.
• Environmental Studies: Students interested in sustainability and environmental issues can explore this interdisciplinary program, which addresses ecological, economic, and social dimensions of environmental challenges.
• Asian Studies and Latin American Studies: Holy Cross offers comprehensive programs that include language study and cultural immersion opportunities.

5. Business and Pre-Professional Programs

• Pre-Law and Pre-Medicine: Holy Cross has strong advising programs for students interested in law and medicine, with courses and extracurricular activities designed to prepare students for law school, medical school, or other professional degrees.
• Business, Ethics, and Society: Although Holy Cross doesn’t have a business major, it offers courses in business ethics, entrepreneurship, and societal impact, reflecting the Jesuit emphasis on ethical decision-making in business contexts.

Unique Features:

• Montserrat Program: All first-year students participate in the Montserrat Program, a series of seminars designed to introduce them to the liberal arts experience and foster a sense of community.
• Study Abroad: Holy Cross has extensive study abroad options, with partnerships in over 20 countries, which are especially popular among students in global and interdisciplinary studies.

The College of the Holy Cross is highly regarded for producing well-rounded graduates with strong analytical, ethical, and communication skills, grounded in a Jesuit commitment to social responsibility.

Research

Academic Programs

Scholarships & Grants

International student help

Careers at Holy Cross

The College of the Holy Cross has a number of distinguished professors known for their expertise, research contributions, and commitment to teaching excellence. Here are a few notable professors across various fields:

1. Professor Todd A. Lewis – Religious Studies

• Specialty: An expert in Buddhism and anthropology, Professor Lewis has conducted extensive research in South Asia, particularly on the religious practices of Buddhist communities in Nepal.
• Accomplishments: Known for his scholarship on Buddhist rituals, social history, and literature, he has received various grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Fulbright Program. Lewis is recognized for making complex religious studies accessible to students and incorporating cross-cultural perspectives.

2. Professor Amy Wolfson – Psychology and Neuroscience

• Specialty: Professor Wolfson is highly regarded in the fields of sleep research and adolescent psychology. Her work focuses on sleep patterns and how they affect health and behavior in children and adolescents.
• Accomplishments: A widely published scholar, she is the author of several influential studies and has earned research grants from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She brings her research into the classroom, providing students with insights into practical and clinical applications of psychology.

3. Professor Edward O’Donnell – History

• Specialty: An authority on American history, particularly Irish-American history and the Gilded Age, Professor O’Donnell is known for his engaging teaching style and public history outreach.
• Accomplishments: He has authored multiple books, including Henry George and the Crisis of Inequality, and contributes regularly to media discussions on historical topics. O’Donnell’s courses are popular for their dynamic approach, encouraging students to connect historical themes with contemporary issues.

4. Professor Karen Ober – Biology

• Specialty: Professor Ober is a specialist in evolutionary biology and entomology. Her research primarily focuses on beetle phylogeny and biogeography, exploring the evolutionary history of insect species.
• Accomplishments: She has received numerous research grants and engages students in her laboratory, providing hands-on experience with advanced research techniques. Her work has contributed to the scientific understanding of biodiversity and evolutionary processes.

5. Professor Neel Smith – Classics

• Specialty: Known for his work in digital humanities and classical studies, Professor Smith has made significant contributions to the use of technology in studying ancient texts.
• Accomplishments: He co-developed the Homer Multitext Project, an innovative digital archive for the study of ancient Greek texts. Smith is well-respected for integrating technology with classical studies, making ancient literature more accessible to students and scholars worldwide.

6. Professor Daniel Bitran – Neuroscience and Psychology

• Specialty: With a focus on behavioral neuroscience, Professor Bitran’s research investigates the neurobiology of anxiety and depression.
• Accomplishments: He has published extensively in his field and is highly regarded for engaging students in research on neural and behavioral sciences. Bitran is known for his mentorship, guiding students toward careers in medicine, research, and psychology.

Teaching Excellence and Student Engagement

Holy Cross places a strong emphasis on teaching and mentorship, and many professors are celebrated for their dedication to student engagement and hands-on learning. Professors like these are pivotal in creating a rich learning environment, contributing to Holy Cross’s reputation as an institution with rigorous academics and a close-knit community.

The College of the Holy Cross does not currently have alumni or faculty who have won a Nobel Prize. However, the college has a strong reputation for academic excellence and a history of producing notable graduates who have achieved significant success in various fields, including science, medicine, law, public service, and the arts.

Key Points of Academic Excellence and Research:

• Distinguished Alumni: Holy Cross has produced influential figures, such as Dr. Anthony Fauci, who has made substantial contributions to medical science and public health. Although not a Nobel laureate, his work has been internationally recognized and awarded.
• Faculty and Research: The college supports rigorous academic research, especially in the liberal arts and sciences, and encourages student involvement in research projects, particularly through its strong science programs and partnerships.
• Jesuit Tradition of Scholarship and Service: Holy Cross emphasizes intellectual exploration with a mission-driven approach, inspiring students and faculty to pursue research and careers that impact society positively.

While the college may not yet have a Nobel laureate, its academic programs and commitment to excellence foster a strong environment for producing future leaders who may contribute significantly to fields recognized by prestigious awards like the Nobel Prize.