Cultivate Your Creativity

At John Paul the Great Catholic University, we believe in the power of beauty to transform culture. We’re shaping the next generation of artists and innovators with academic excellence, unparalleled creativity, and an authentic community centered on Jesus Christ.

JPCatholic’s Animation program features industry professionals, hands-on projects, and rigorous preparation for your career in creative media. Our unique curriculum model combines a well-rounded overview of the entire Animation pipeline with the flexibility to specialize in your area of interest by focusing your electives.

Choose from Animation electives areas such as 2D animation, illustration, 3D modeling, motion capture, motion graphics, and more. You’ll also take our core curriculum which includes Theology, Philosophy, Humanities, and Business.

Well-rounded, flexible curriculum

ANIMATION FOUNDATIONS

All Animation students receive a well-rounded foundation in 3D modeling, storytelling, drawing, and design. Beyond that, you have flexibility to pursue a wide variety of electives based on your career goals.

STORYTELLING & SCREENWRITING

Sharpen your storytelling ability under professional screenwriters - develop, outline, and write your scripts for television or movies.

ILLUSTRATION & STORYBOARDING

Develop your skills in both traditional and digital artwork, with classes like Observational Drawing, Life Drawing, Storyboarding, and more.

2D ANIMATION

Learn traditional 2D animation from a veteran of Warner Bros. Looney Tunes!

3D MODELING & TEXTURING

Explore an abundance of classes in 3D modeling, texturing, and lighting, creating environments, props, and characters for your world.

ANIMATION & MOTION CAPTURE

Bring your characters to life through coursework in rigging and animating, and use cutting edge technology with motion capture and virtual production.

MOTION GRAPHICS

Combine your love for graphic design and animation with training in motion graphics and design for the screen.

General Education

THEOLOGY & PHILOSOPHY

Grow in faith and understanding with a rich sequence of coursework in Scripture, Theology, and Philosophy.

BUSINESS

Prepare yourself for the industry with foundational skills in marketing, management, and entrepreneurial thinking.

HUMANITIES

Study the human condition by actively engaging in an exploration of art, literature, culture, politics, economics, and more

See general education overview

Envision your future at JPCatholic

Hands-on, Project-based Curriculum

In our Animation program, you’ll hone the critical skills you will need to flourish in your career. Our hands-on curriculum focuses on creativity and action, bringing your ideas to life with excellence in every aspect of the pipeline. You’ll start creating projects in your freshman year, giving you abundant opportunities to develop your craft.

See student showcase

Hands-on, Project-based Curriculum

In our Animation program, you’ll hone the critical skills you will need to flourish in your career. Our hands-on curriculum focuses on creativity and action, bringing your ideas to life with excellence in every aspect of the pipeline. You’ll start creating projects in your freshman year, giving you abundant opportunities to develop your craft.

See student showcase

Industry Standard Equipment

Our creative arts programs emphasize hands-on experience when it comes to learning your craft— that’s why we give you access to cutting-edge equipment and software starting your freshman year. You’ll have access to all the tools you need to make your vision a reality, including a Motion Capture suit, Wacom tablets, a Drawing Studio, and a professionally equipped Media Lab.

See equipment & facilities

Industry Standard Equipment

Our creative arts programs emphasize hands-on experience when it comes to learning your craft— that’s why we give you access to cutting-edge equipment and software starting your freshman year. You’ll have access to all the tools you need to make your vision a reality, including a Motion Capture suit, Wacom tablets, a Drawing Studio, and a professionally equipped Media Lab.

See equipment & facilities

Located in San Diego County

Our campus is centered in north county San Diego, just a 35-minute drive from downtown in America's Finest City. Southern California is famous for its fantastic weather, beautiful beaches and mountains, and bustling metropolitan areas. Our campus is just 15 miles from the beach, a short trip by car or train.

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Our Authentically Catholic Community

Our campus is a place where students can grow both professionally and spiritually. We’re a unique community of artists and innovators, centered around our faith in Jesus Christ and the beauty of the Catholic faith. Immerse yourself in an abundance of opportunities for spiritual growth, including Daily Mass, Confession, Adoration, Rosary, Retreats, and Service Projects.

Learn More

Our Authentically Catholic Community

Our campus is a place where students can grow both professionally and spiritually. We’re a unique community of artists and innovators, centered around our faith in Jesus Christ and the beauty of the Catholic faith. Immerse yourself in an abundance of opportunities for spiritual growth, including Daily Mass, Confession, Adoration, Rosary, Retreats, and Service Projects.

Learn More

Our Small Campus Environment

With a total student body under 300, JPCatholic offers a warm, tight-knit campus community. Foster lifelong friendships, form creative partnerships, and surround yourself with a supportive environment that encourages your growth in both virtue and artistic excellence.

Our small classroom sizes offer the chance for one-on-one mentorship from industry professionals who still work in their field.

See student life

Our Small Campus Environment

With a total student body under 300, JPCatholic offers a warm, tight-knit campus community. Foster lifelong friendships, form creative partnerships, and surround yourself with a supportive environment that encourages your growth in both virtue and artistic excellence.

Our small classroom sizes offer the chance for one-on-one mentorship from industry professionals who still work in their field.

See student life

Generous Scholarships Available

At JPCatholic, we’re committed to making a quality Catholic education affordable for every student. 99% of our students receive a scholarship, and packages take both need and merit into account. Our personalized financial counseling process assists you in identifying all awards you might be eligible for.

Learn More

Generous Scholarships Available

At JPCatholic, we’re committed to making a quality Catholic education affordable for every student. 99% of our students receive a scholarship, and packages take both need and merit into account. Our personalized financial counseling process assists you in identifying all awards you might be eligible for.

Learn More

Graduate in 3 Years

Our unique academic model prepares students for the real-world pace of professional life in the industry, with a focus on hands-on projects, internships, and portfolio preparation. The program is structured on a year-round quarter system, and you graduate with your Bachelors Degree in just 12 quarters. Each quarter is 10 weeks long, with about 3 weeks of break between each quarter.

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Alumni Success

JPCatholic alumni have found success in a variety of paths, ranging from Hollywood to independent media organizations, and from large corporations to nonprofits to their own entrepreneurial start-ups. View our placement rate and alumni jobs by clicking below.

Learn More

Alumni Success

JPCatholic alumni have found success in a variety of paths, ranging from Hollywood to independent media organizations, and from large corporations to nonprofits to their own entrepreneurial start-ups. View our placement rate and alumni jobs by clicking below.

Learn More

Get an Inside Look

Curriculum Overview | Animation Program

Faculty Spotlight: Prof. Eric Van Hamersveld

Animation & Game Development Reel

Portraying Anxiety Through Animation: Senior Project Spotlight

Marie-Thérèse Hallagan: Creating in Community | Why We Create

Illustration Program Overview | Prof. Jacqueline Gold

Using MoCap to Composite a Robot | Compositing Class

Sam Wurth: The Vital Power of Creativity | Why We Create

Designing a Film with Emotional Impact | Guest Speaker Tim Reckart

Colin Brady: Working on Toy Story 2 | Crash Course in Storytelling

Virtual Production | Electives Sequence

Meet the Faculty

JPCatholic’s professors have a wealth of experience, and many still actively work in the industry.

Max Hulburt

Max Hulburt

Professor & Chair of Visual Arts

Christopher Riley

Christopher Riley

Professor of Film

Jacqueline Gold

Jacqueline Gold

Professor of Art

Eric Van Hamersveld

Eric Van Hamersveld

Adjunct Professor of 2D Animation

George Castro

George Castro

Adjunct Professor of Animation

Colin Brady

Colin Brady

Visiting Professor of Animation

Brian LaFrance

Brian LaFrance

Adjunct Professor of Animation

Nate Sjogren

Nate Sjogren

Adjunct Professor of Graphic Design

Carlos Vázquez

Carlos Vázquez

Adjunct Professor of Visual Development

Tim Reckart

Tim Reckart

Adjunct Professor of Animation

Jose Eduardo Morales

Jose Eduardo Morales

Adjunct Professor of Animation

Student Showcase

See more

Hear from Students & Alumni

Tam Nguyen

Tam Nguyen

Class of 2021 | Associate Environment Artist at High Moon Studios

“I studied Environment Art for games and film at JPCatholic, and had the great opportunity to learn from professors with a wealth of experience in their field. Our professors gave us detailed, individual feedback and guidance, and were genuinely committed to helping us succeed. It was a great experience studying together with other students with similar interests, goals, and values, and working on projects together. The well rounded curriculum helped me obtain important skills and knowledge beyond my field of study, from business communications to logic and theology. I appreciate how JPCatholic provides a faith filled environment for students to grow in their spiritual life, including Daily Mass and incorporating the Catholic Faith into the core curriculum.”

John Paul Diodati

John Paul Diodati

Class of 2021 | Associate Unreal Engine Designer and Animator at Drive Studio

“I came to this school with the dream of working on video games, but I had very little knowledge of 3D programs and environment creation. I’d often see the level of work produced by professionals in the industry and feel discouraged. Starting out I had little faith that I would be able to reach those levels. Through Prof. Sartain’s mentorship and the guidance of my other professors, I found the inspiration and the tools to pursue that dream. Now that I am close to graduating at JPCatholic, I feel ready to take on Game Art professionally, and I am forever grateful the school and to my professors.”

Jocely Lopez

Jocely Lopez

Class of 2022

“I love the people I've met. There are so many creative and fun people here and I've made some really amazing friends and learned so much. Also San Diego has really won me over :)”

Corrina Borjon

Corrina Borjon

Class of 2025 | Animation Student

“While being at JPCatholic, I love that I get to converse with others who have similar tastes and passions as I do. I love that I get to immediately work in my major and get a taste of what animating is already like! Being surrounded with others who have the same creative mind allows me to express more of who I am in my works. In animation, a part of the artist is always inside the artwork whether it be the design of the character or the overall theme of the story. I hope to one day create a piece of work that shows others just a little bit of myself, even if it may be a small part. I want to share a small part of my personality with my animations.”

Tam Nguyen

Tam Nguyen

Class of 2021 | Associate Environment Artist at High Moon Studios

“I studied Environment Art for games and film at JPCatholic, and had the great opportunity to learn from professors with a wealth of experience in their field. Our professors gave us detailed, individual feedback and guidance, and were genuinely committed to helping us succeed. It was a great experience studying together with other students with similar interests, goals, and values, and working on projects together. The well rounded curriculum helped me obtain important skills and knowledge beyond my field of study, from business communications to logic and theology. I appreciate how JPCatholic provides a faith filled environment for students to grow in their spiritual life, including Daily Mass and incorporating the Catholic Faith into the core curriculum.”

John Paul Diodati

John Paul Diodati

Class of 2021 | Associate Unreal Engine Designer and Animator at Drive Studio

“I came to this school with the dream of working on video games, but I had very little knowledge of 3D programs and environment creation. I’d often see the level of work produced by professionals in the industry and feel discouraged. Starting out I had little faith that I would be able to reach those levels. Through Prof. Sartain’s mentorship and the guidance of my other professors, I found the inspiration and the tools to pursue that dream. Now that I am close to graduating at JPCatholic, I feel ready to take on Game Art professionally, and I am forever grateful the school and to my professors.”

Jocely Lopez

Jocely Lopez

Class of 2022

“I love the people I've met. There are so many creative and fun people here and I've made some really amazing friends and learned so much. Also San Diego has really won me over :)”

Corrina Borjon

Corrina Borjon

Class of 2025 | Animation Student

“While being at JPCatholic, I love that I get to converse with others who have similar tastes and passions as I do. I love that I get to immediately work in my major and get a taste of what animating is already like! Being surrounded with others who have the same creative mind allows me to express more of who I am in my works. In animation, a part of the artist is always inside the artwork whether it be the design of the character or the overall theme of the story. I hope to one day create a piece of work that shows others just a little bit of myself, even if it may be a small part. I want to share a small part of my personality with my animations.”