Students of all majors can look forward to the implementation of a new minor called quantitative criminology, the quantitative analysis of crime and criminal justice systems data.
David Holmes, professor of mathematics and statistics, and David Holleran, chair of the department of criminology, created the minor together, though the idea was originally Holleran's.
Students minoring in quantitative criminology would take courses in theoretical criminology, social science research methodology and policy analysis.
According to Holleran, students planning to pursue graduate degrees would "have a leg up" in graduate school after completing the minor.
The proposal submitted to the College for new minor approval said many career outlets, such as academics, government, private research firms and interest groups, have a use for the skills taught.
"The minor will stimulate synergistic research activities between students and faculty from the department of criminology and the department of mathematics and statistics," the proposal said.
According to Holmes, "The College is very keen on interdisciplinary departments."
Holleran said the minor will have two different tracks, one geared toward mathematics and the other toward criminology.
"Mostly mathematics and statistics students will vector themselves towards the statistics," Holleran said.
"The important thing," Holmes said, "is (quantitative criminology) is available to every student. We offer it to every student provided they have their prerequisites."
Holmes and Holleran said the process of creating the new minor took about a year and a half.
According to them, about 10 or 12 students have expressed an interest in quantitative criminology as a minor so far.
They also said all mathematics and statistics majors have been e-mailed about the new minor and prospective College students will be informed about it.
