Graduate Student Spotlight | Joseph Crown

“The staff at Hood College do an excellent job of supporting international students and making the transition smoother.”

Cybersecurity (M.S.)

Program

Cybersecurity (M.S., Certificate)

Department

Computer Science & Information Technology

Graduate School
Graduate Student

Computer Science & Information Technology Graduate Programs
Computer Sciences
Cyber

05/15/2026

Joseph Crown is a graduate student in Hood College’s cybersecurity M.S. program with a background in computer science and professional experience as a web developer. As an international student and graduate assistant, he is expanding his expertise in security while building toward a career in the tech industry.

Tell us about your academic and professional background.

I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in cybersecurity at Hood College, and I completed my undergraduate studies in computer science. I come from a strong programming background, having built various small programs and web applications, and I worked as a web developer for a few years before starting my master’s. In my spare time, I enjoy videography and photography.

What inspired you to choose Hood College and your current program of study?

Coming from a computer science background, I wanted to pursue something different yet still related for my undergrad, which led me to cybersecurity. It allows me to stay within the same field while broadening my understanding by approaching it from a security perspective. I chose to study in the United States because of its strong reputation in STEM fields, and Hood College stood out among the schools I considered. I also received recommendations from alumni I knew, and the College offered a strong curriculum along with affordability and convenient accessibility from where I live.

As an international student and graduate assistant, what has your experience been like balancing academics, work and adapting to a new environment?

There are many adjustments that come with moving to a new country, including learning how different systems work. However, my experience has been very positive so far. The staff at Hood College do an excellent job of supporting international students and making the transition smoother. Having dedicated staff members available to answer questions and provide guidance, whether related to internships, work or academics, has been incredibly helpful.

What do you enjoy most about being part of the Hood College community, and how has it contributed to your personal and professional growth?

What stands out most is the strong sense of community at Hood College. From my interactions with students and alumni, it is clear that people genuinely want to support each other’s success. Both staff and fellow students are willing to help, which creates a very encouraging environment. Additionally, career fairs have been valuable in helping me grow professionally and better prepare for entering the workforce after graduation.

What are your future goals, and how do you see your time at Hood helping you achieve them?

In the future, I aim to build a career in the computer science field. My time at Hood College has been highly beneficial, especially through opportunities to connect with industry professionals who have shared insights about their career paths. These experiences have helped me understand how to navigate the process of building a successful career and what steps I need to take now to achieve my goals.

Inspired by Joseph’s story? Ready to #GOFURTHER in your career? Learn more about Hood College's graduate programs, including master's degree in cybersecurity.