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
Envision Your Future at JPCatholic
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.
LEARN MORE
Get an Inside Look
Curriculum Overview | Animation Program
Faculty Spotlight: Prof. Eric Van Hamersveld
Faculty Mentorship | Animation Program
Portraying Anxiety Through Animation: Senior Project Spotlight
Marie-Thérèse Hallagan: Creating in Community | Why We Create
Creating VFX for “Roy” That Serve the Story
Using MoCap to Composite a Robot | Compositing Class
Faculty Spotlight: Nate Sartain
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
Meet the Faculty
JPCatholic’s professors have a wealth of experience, and many still actively work in the industry.
Max Hulburt
Professor of Animation & Chair of Animation and Gaming
Chris Riley
Professor of Story
Jacqueline Gold
Adjunct Professor of Art
Eric Van Hamersveld
Adjunct Professor of 2D Animation
Nate Sartain
Adjunct Professor of Art & Design
George Castro
Adjunct Professor of Animation
Colin Brady
Visiting Professor of Animation
Nate Sjogren
Adjunct Professor of Graphic Design
Hear from Students & Alumni
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
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
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 :)”
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
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
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 :)”