Overview

In our Theology and Philosophy emphasis, you will integrate the diverse fields of the Humanities core curriculum by investigating the deepest, most important questions about human existence.

A particular focus of your study will be the relationship of faith and reason. Theology seeks understanding in the study of the revealed Word of God in history, which comes to human beings first in Israel and then in the person of Jesus Christ. In our program, you will take the articles of the Creed taught by the Church as its principles, and apply human reason assisted by grace to explore the mysteries of our Faith.

Philosophy, on the other hand, is the pursuit of wisdom, especially wisdom about the highest things, beginning in wonder and proceeding by way of reflection on what Socrates calls “the things that are.” This dual discipline will provide a solid foundation for further studies, a career in education, or simply a well-examined life.

Theology and Philosophy Curriculum

THEOLOGY

PHILOSOPHY

HUMANITIES

General Education

LEADERSHIP

Learn foundational skills in managing and leading teams, useful for any career or ministry.

LIBERAL ARTS

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

SEE GENERAL EDUCATION OVERVIEW

Our Authentically Catholic Community

Our faith in Jesus Christ is at the heart of JPCatholic. We strive to create a campus environment where both students and faculty can grow in their relationship with Christ through Sacred Scripture, the Sacraments, and the Magisterial teaching of the Catholic Church. Immerse yourself in an abundance of opportunities for spiritual growth, including Daily Mass, Confession, Adoration, Rosary, Retreats, and Service Projects.

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Our Authentically Catholic Community

Our faith in Jesus Christ is at the heart of JPCatholic. We strive to create a campus environment where both students and faculty can grow in their relationship with Christ through Sacred Scripture, the Sacraments, and the Magisterial teaching of the Catholic Church. 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 academic excellence.

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 academic excellence.

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 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. Graduating in just three years will give you a head start on either starting your career or pursuing further education.

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Alumni Success

Alumni have found fulfilling careers in a variety of paths, ranging from working for the Church, serving in a Catholic apostolate, teaching theology, and more. Alumni are also well prepared to pursue further education if desired. View more info on alumni jobs and graduate schools by clicking below.

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Alumni Success

Alumni have found fulfilling careers in a variety of paths, ranging from working for the Church, serving in a Catholic apostolate, teaching theology, and more. Alumni are also well prepared to pursue further education if desired. View more info on alumni jobs and graduate schools by clicking below.

LEARN MORE

Located in San Diego County

John 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.

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Meet the Faculty

Our professors carry a rich academic background in theology and philosophy. With our small class sizes, you will be able to receive individualized mentorship as you pursue deeper scholarship in theology and philosophy. We take our responsibility as a Catholic university seriously, and all of our faculty commit to harmony with Church teaching.

Fr. Andy Younan

Fr. Andy Younan, PhD

Professor of Philosophy

Steven Kramp

Steven Kramp

Professor of Creative Writing & Chair of Humanities & Theology

Fr. Ankido Sipo

Fr. Ankido Sipo

Adjunct Professor of Theology

Dr. Shalina Stilley

Dr. Shalina Stilley, PhD

Professor of Philosophy & Theology

Sr. Nancy Usselmann, FSP

Sr. Nancy Usselmann, FSP

Adjunct Professor of Theology

Bonnie Curtis

Bonnie Curtis

Adjunct Professor of Theology

Maisa Haddad

Maisa Haddad

Adjunct Professor of New Evangelization

Robin Murray

Robin Murray, PhD

Adjunct Professor of Humanities

Fr Simon Esshaki

Fr. Simon Esshaki

Adjunct Professor of Theology

Hear from Students & Professors

Theology & Philosophy: Program Overview

John Paul II's Encyclical on Evangelization: Redemptoris Missio

Christian Experience: Theology Core Curriculum

Humanities Program Overview

How to Evangelize: Don't Force It | Faculty Insights

Dr. Shalina Stilley, PhD

Fr. Ankido Sipo

Taylor Williams: Into the Deep | Impact

The Philosophy of Lord of the Rings: Capstone Seminar

Building Community: Households Overview

Timmerie Geagea

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Timmerie Geagea

Class of 2014

Since graduating from JPCatholic, Timmerie has put her education in theology and media to good use as a Catholic speaker, pro-life advocate, and radio host.

While at JPCatholic, Timmerie was leader of the campus pro-life club. After receiving both her undergraduate degree and her MA in Biblical Theology, Timmerie worked from 2011-2016 as the Director of Education & Outreach for Life Choices pregnancy counseling center in San Diego. During that time, she grew her reputation as a Catholic speaker, focusing on topics such as sexuality, feminism, and human dignity.

In 2015 she entered the world of radio, and her show on Relevant Radio “Trending with Timmerie” can now be heard on nearly 200 radio stations across the nation and reaches 20,000 to 40,000 people daily. You can also listen to her show live online, or check out past episodes on all major podcasting platforms.

Hear from Students

Alec Williams

Alec Williams

Class of 2023

“One salient feature about JPCatholic is the people: the majority are creative, comical, and charitable. Also, Southern California is beautiful and has perhaps the best weather on the planet. Through studying Humanities with a Theology and Philosophy emphasis, I’ve cracked open the Holy Bible, wrestled with the greatest literary works of Western Civilization (including The Lord of the Rings), and have been introduced to some of the most influential philosophical writings of human history. It has been a great privilege and a blessing.”

Mikaela Adams

Mikaela Adams

Class of 2023

“The best part about JPCatholic is the true commitment to the Catholic Faith. Our faith affects everything we do here - our class discussions, our weekend events, our friendships, our decisions. Our school encourages us to choose Christ in every situation - and what could be better than that? Not only am I encountering him in my studies but most importantly his True Presence in the Mass every single day. What a privilege and a joy!”

Ruvianne Mercado

Ruvianne Mercado

Class of 2021

“What I love most about being at JPCatholic is the fact that we have Humanities classes. Particularly the philosophy classes! I think that a really important thing for a university is that it finds value in offering humanities courses. Having classes in theology and philosophy required even for film/art students shows how much we believe that we need to be formed in these subjects in order to make the art we want to make and how to impact the culture in the best way that we can.”

Alec Williams

Alec Williams

Class of 2023

“One salient feature about JPCatholic is the people: the majority are creative, comical, and charitable. Also, Southern California is beautiful and has perhaps the best weather on the planet. Through studying Humanities with a Theology and Philosophy emphasis, I’ve cracked open the Holy Bible, wrestled with the greatest literary works of Western Civilization (including The Lord of the Rings), and have been introduced to some of the most influential philosophical writings of human history. It has been a great privilege and a blessing.”

Mikaela Adams

Mikaela Adams

CLass of 2023

“The best part about JPCatholic is the true commitment to the Catholic Faith. Our faith affects everything we do here - our class discussions, our weekend events, our friendships, our decisions. Our school encourages us to choose Christ in every situation - and what could be better than that? Not only am I encountering him in my studies but most importantly his True Presence in the Mass every single day. What a privilege and a joy!”

Ruvianne Mercado

Ruvianne Mercado

Class of 2021

“What I love most about being at JPCatholic is the fact that we have Humanities classes. Particularly the philosophy classes! I think that a really important thing for a university is that it finds value in offering humanities courses. Having classes in theology and philosophy required even for film/art students shows how much we believe that we need to be formed in these subjects in order to make the art we want to make and how to impact the culture in the best way that we can.”