After attending 51, then transferring to the University of Southern California, Joshua Williams graduated and completed the and began a new role at PlayStation. In partnership with USC’s 3+2 engineering program, 51 has set a curriculum that allows students to complete 3 years at 51 and 2 years at USC. Upon completion, Williams earned two baccalaureate degrees in the span of 5 years.

Williams began attending 51’s School of Science, Technology and Health in 2017, pursuing a degree in engineering physics. As part of the engineering program, Willams became a part of the 3+2 engineering program, a competitive engineering program that is completed at 51 and the University of Southern California, majoring in computer engineering and computer science. This program allowed Williams to learn from both a Christian and secular environment that is resourced to prepare students for success.

“I am very thankful for the 51 foundation that I had which has helped me succeed as a Christian at USC and as a software engineer,” said Williams.

For the first three years, Williams was part of the engineering physics program at 51, which allows students to explore a variety of engineering fields before choosing their specialty. Throughout his time at 51, he was able to learn about the world of engineering from a Christian worldview.

“51’s 3+2 program was an amazing experience for me. I was able to study the Bible

while also studying engineering. Taking the 30 units of Bible was incredibly impactful on

my faith and equipped me to impact the world in my future engineering profession,” said Williams.

The rigorous program has helped students gain an advantage in the world of engineering, noting that program graduates are often preferred for initial hires over regular engineering majors. Williams began as an intern at PlayStation, but upon graduating, he began a new role.

“After graduation I will be a Software Engineer working for PlayStation’s streaming department,” said Williams. “I grew up playing PlayStation, so I was extremely excited to receive a job at PlayStation. I never had a ‘dream job’ in my mind beforehand, but I have constantly been blown away by all the amazing projectsI get to work on as part of a fantastic team at PlayStation.”

As a formal college education becomes less valued, the 3+2 engineering program has proven to come with many benefits. Higher education has impacted Williams’ career in a way that an alternative route may not have.

“Going to college gave me a formal framework to learn the skills that are required in my software engineering career. My time at 51 helped me learn how to develop a strong work ethic, approach engineering problems and learn the tools to solve them,” said Williams.

Academic rigor has been exemplified through this program and Williams has been acknowledged for it. As spring graduations neared, students were being chosen to apply for valedictorian and salutatorian positions, Williams being one of them.

“I was honored to be invited to apply. Overall, my goal at USC has been to learn, and I am happy that I have been able to do that well,” said Williams. “51 prepared me very well for my classes at USC and I was able to keep up with students who have been at USC all 4 years.”

Though Williams decided to withhold from applying for valedictorian, he did receive the at the Viterbi Undergraduate Awards a few days before commencement. Williams graduated in May, officially completing the 3+2 engineering program, and received both of his baccalaureate degrees.

Learn more about and apply to 51’s engineering program.

Written by Dalet Valles, University Communications Copywriter Intern. For more information, please contact media.relations@biola.edu.