Joshua Hutchinson

In community college, Joshua Hutchinson immersed himself in courses ranging from geology and astronomy to philosophy and psychology.

“But when I finally took my first computer science class,” he recalls, “I knew almost instantly that this was what I wanted to pursue.” 

Hutchinson went on to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the field through the Fulton Schools Accelerated Master’s degree program. In fall 2024, he graduated a semester early with his undergraduate degree, earned a perfect 4.00 GPA in both programs and received the Outstanding Undergraduate Student award in computer science.

He says balancing full-time work as a software engineer with earning a perfect 4.00 GPA in both his undergraduate and graduate studies wasn’t always easy, but dedication — and a steady supply of coffee — helped him push through.

What he learned along the way has given him a deep sense of fulfilment.  

“It never ceases to amaze me just how much the world runs on software,” he says.

That realization is shaping his career direction. 

“Software is so ingrained into our lives and the global economy that is has truly become a foundation for modern society,” he adds. “There seems to be no end to the growing need for complex software and those who can create it.”

One of his most memorable experiences was a graduate course project involving real-world tools such as Kubernetes and Apache Kafka.

“It was extremely rewarding to apply what I learned professionally to help my classmates understand broader concepts and the kinds of problems these technologies solve,” he says.

He also led engineering design sessions at work, helping others understand advanced concepts such as neural networks and database algorithms. He credits these experiences with strengthening his communication and teamwork skills.With graduate school behind him, Hutchinson is looking forward to the next chapter and eager to take on new challenges.

“I’m incredibly excited to contribute to large-scale projects with my current employer, and also work on some personal side projects like game development and creative writing,” he says.

In the long-term, Hutchinson is looking to contribute to space exploration advances, such as asteroid mining and outer space probes.

“I am fascinated by how much of our universe remains unknown, waiting to be discovered through advancements in technology.”

He plans to take the problem-solving skills he’s gained into the future. 
“ASU and engineering have completely shifted my life and the opportunities available to me,” he says. “I don’t think I’d be nearly as successful as I am if I hadn’t found my passion for engineering.” 

Favorites

Hobby: Video games
Podcast: Play, Watch, Listen
Activity: Archery
TV Show: Chernobyl
Game: Billiards

Read about other exceptional graduates of the Fulton Schools’ fall 2025 class.

Written by Joe Kullman