Stories impact us in profound ways. Good stories can inspire and touch our souls; they bring freshness, life, understanding and clarity to our human experience. They can draw us closer to God and to Truth, Beauty, and Goodness. They are at the core of the entertainment which shapes our culture and society. Under the guidance of experienced writers, students study the discipline and craft of powerfully telling stories for multiple mediums, whether that be a, novel, short story, or screenplay.
St. John Paul the Great, a writer and artist himself, wrote extensively to encourage artists to develop their “divine spark” in order to create works whose excellence communicates truth and beauty. Many career paths after graduation are available to students in the Creative Writing & Screenwriting emphasis, but they are all oriented to contributing to the common good.
“Society needs artists...they not only enrich the cultural heritage of each nation and of all humanity, but they also render an exceptional social service in favor of the common good.”
POPE ST. JOHN PAUL II
Impact culture for Christ and grow in faith and understanding through a rich sequence of Scripture based Theology courses and Philosophy courses.
Prepare yourself for a career in writing with skills in marketing, project management, and entrepreneurial thinking.
Study the human condition by actively engaging in an exploration of literature, art, culture, politics, economics, and more.
Our student-published quarterly journal Out of the Cave provides you with opportunities to share your work in creative writing, poetry, illustration, and more.
READ THE JOURNALWhether you are interested in poetry, short stories, non-fiction writing, screenwriting, adaptation, or novels, you’ll have the chance to explore and develop your unique voice. You can also delve into electives from our other programs such as illustration, theatre, film, and more.
SEE ELECTIVESOur 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 MOREWith 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.
SEE STUDENT STORIESOur 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 MOREJPCatholic 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 MOREJohn Paul the Great Catholic University 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. And with Los Angeles and Hollywood within striking distance, students have even more opportunities for internships and networking.
LEARN MOREAs upperclassmen, screenwriting students have the opportunity to live in Burbank for a quarter, located right up the street from the Warner Bros. studio lot. These 8 weeks open up a host of new opportunities for internships, networking, and experiencing life in the entertainment capital of the world.
LEARN MOREWith small class sizes and mentorship, professors are able to provide individualized training. They bring decades of experience and unique perspectives from varied backgrounds.
Chris Riley
Professor of Story
Dr. Julie Anne Stevens
Professor of Creative Writing
Steven Kramp
Professor of Creative Writing & Chair of Humanities
Vernon Mortensen
Professor of Film Producing and Distribution
Bill Marsilii
Adjunct Professor of Screenwriting
Sheryl Anderson
Visiting Professor of TV Writing
Creative Writing Program Overview
Humanities Program Overview
Joshua David MG: Writing to Express Yourself | Why We Create
Why Study Poetry?
Professor Nathan Scoggins: Why do stories impact us? | Crash Course in Storytelling
Practice Pitching While You Watch TV | Crash Course in Storytelling
Making an ASL Film | Acting Thesis Project Rose and Raven
Grace Reding: Your Corner | Impact
How This Class Develops Your Storytelling for Video Games