Forensic Psychology
Alumni, Jared Linbach, Furthers His Education in Forensics
Julie Kennedy
Issue date: 2/15/08 Section: Cougar's Tale
Former Clearwater Christian College student Jared Linbach has, without a doubt, chosen an interesting next step to further his education. Upon graduation from CCC in May 2007, he now attends a graduate school in San Diego, California. The school is the Center for Forensic Studies, part of Alliant International University.
Linbach's particular field of study is forensic psychology. Jared said, "I am sure you are thinking the whole CSI stuff, but that is not exactly what we do. Forensic Psychology is essentially clinical psychology or experimental psychology, depending on the school and interests." Jared has chosen an emphasis on the experimental side; however, his degree involves both clinical and experimental psychology.
"In forensic psychology, Jared said, we utilize the tools of clinical and experimental psychology to broaden the knowledge base regarding forensic populations, including criminals and law enforcement."
Linbach said, "I became interested in Forensic Psychology because of its integration of law enforcement, called criminology, and psychology. Getting a degree in forensic psychology could be equated to having a double major in college or being an interdisciplinary studies major. Rather than focusing on one area such as clinical psychology or experimental psychology, I have chosen to blend the psychological aspect with criminology."
Jared went on to say, "Most people don't know how much the research conducted by forensic psychologists is relied upon in the court of law. In the event of a high profile case, forensic psychologists, among others, will write what is called an "amicus brief" to the presiding judge. The purpose of this brief is to educate the judge on a specific aspect or principle tangled up in the case. The cases are numerous where judges have considered and added into the official documentation the brief in whole or in part. These briefs are vital because of the frequency with which courts make behavioral assumptions about people."
Linbach's particular field of study is forensic psychology. Jared said, "I am sure you are thinking the whole CSI stuff, but that is not exactly what we do. Forensic Psychology is essentially clinical psychology or experimental psychology, depending on the school and interests." Jared has chosen an emphasis on the experimental side; however, his degree involves both clinical and experimental psychology.
"In forensic psychology, Jared said, we utilize the tools of clinical and experimental psychology to broaden the knowledge base regarding forensic populations, including criminals and law enforcement."
Linbach said, "I became interested in Forensic Psychology because of its integration of law enforcement, called criminology, and psychology. Getting a degree in forensic psychology could be equated to having a double major in college or being an interdisciplinary studies major. Rather than focusing on one area such as clinical psychology or experimental psychology, I have chosen to blend the psychological aspect with criminology."
Jared went on to say, "Most people don't know how much the research conducted by forensic psychologists is relied upon in the court of law. In the event of a high profile case, forensic psychologists, among others, will write what is called an "amicus brief" to the presiding judge. The purpose of this brief is to educate the judge on a specific aspect or principle tangled up in the case. The cases are numerous where judges have considered and added into the official documentation the brief in whole or in part. These briefs are vital because of the frequency with which courts make behavioral assumptions about people."
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