We're the Catholic University for Creative Arts & Business Innovation
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.
But we can’t do it alone. We’re looking for visionaries like you to join us. If you’re serious about your faith, and passionate about using business or creative arts to impact culture for Christ, take a look at our programs – and envision your future at JPCatholic.
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Envision your future at JPCatholic
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 MoreOur 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.
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Project Based Curriculum
At JPCatholic, you don't just learn the theory, you put it into practice – starting right from your Freshman year. Whether it's building a business in our Incubator or casting SAG talent for your senior project, you'll learn what it takes to bring your vision to life with professionally produced projects.
See Student ShowcaseProject Based Curriculum
At JPCatholic, you don't just learn the theory, you put it into practice – starting right from your Freshman year. Whether it's building a business in our Incubator or casting SAG talent for your senior project, you'll learn what it takes to bring your vision to life with professionally produced projects.
See Student Showcase
Experience Mentorship from Professionals
JPCatholic attracts faculty who are talented in the classroom, but also accomplished professionally as Hollywood filmmakers, entrepreneurs, game developers, CEOs, animators, actors, and writers. JPCatholic faculty care about you personally, professionally, and spiritually. Their mentorship will help you to cultivate your creativity and nurture your God-given talents through your artistic or business endeavors.
See FacultyExperience Mentorship from Professionals
JPCatholic attracts faculty who are talented in the classroom, but also accomplished professionally as Hollywood filmmakers, entrepreneurs, game developers, CEOs, animators, actors, and writers. JPCatholic faculty care about you personally, professionally, and spiritually. Their mentorship will help you to cultivate your creativity and nurture your God-given talents through your artistic or business endeavors.
See Faculty
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.
See Student LifeOur 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.
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 MoreGenerous 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.
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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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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. And with Los Angeles and Hollywood within striking distance, students have even more opportunities for internships and networking.
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Quarter in L.A.
As upperclassmen, film 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.
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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 MoreAlumni 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.
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Hear from Alumni & Students
Maggie Mahrt
B.S. in Communications Media ('10) | Director & Filmmaker
“I am particularly grateful for the great mentorship I received from the professors at JPCatholic.”
Nate Sjogren
B.S. in Communications Media ('11) | Creative Director + Founder at Akimbo Studio
“JPCatholic gave me the creative, professional and spiritual platform that I needed to begin my career. Everything I’ve learned and experienced has been the product of top-notch mentorship through the university. I owe everything to the incredibly talented and influential faculty members.”
Leah Murphy
B.S. in Communications Media, Emphasis in New Evangelization (‘14) | Content Coordinator for Archdiocese of Detroit
“JPCatholic prepared me for this job by giving me an incredibly firm intellectual foundation in my faith.”
Neil Watson
B.S. in Business, Emphasis in Entrepreneurship (‘10) | Senior Manager, Concepts-to-Consumer for Adidas Group
“JPCatholic also changed me as a person by infusing a lasting entrepreneurial spirit in me, equipping me with the tools to be a creator and collaborator in any and every role.”
Yssa Mitra
B.S. in Communications Media, Emphasis in Game Development (‘21) | Production Coordinator at Drive Studio
“One of my favorite things about studying Game Dev at JPCatholic is the collaboration that occurs among the students. While our professors provide us with plenty of feedback on our digital work, they also encourage us to observe and critique our peers so that we can all help each other improve.”
Fr. Simon Esshaki
B.S. in Communications Media, Emphasis in New Evangelization (‘12) | Chaldean Catholic Priest
“I always tell people that JPCatholic is the best school in the world, and I truly believe that.”
Maggie Mahrt
B.S. in Communications Media ('10) | Director & Filmmaker
“I am particularly grateful for the great mentorship I received from the professors at JPCatholic.”
Nate Sjogren
B.S. in Communications Media ('11) | Creative Director + Founder at Akimbo Studio
“JPCatholic gave me the creative, professional and spiritual platform that I needed to begin my career. Everything I’ve learned and experienced has been the product of top-notch mentorship through the university. I owe everything to the incredibly talented and influential faculty members.”
Leah Murphy
B.S. in Communications Media, Emphasis in New Evangelization (‘14) | Content Coordinator for Archdiocese of Detroit
“JPCatholic prepared me for this job by giving me an incredibly firm intellectual foundation in my faith.”
Neil Watson
B.S. in Business, Emphasis in Entrepreneurship (‘10) | Senior Manager, Concepts-to-Consumer for Adidas Group
“JPCatholic also changed me as a person by infusing a lasting entrepreneurial spirit in me, equipping me with the tools to be a creator and collaborator in any and every role.”
Yssa Mitra
B.S. in Communications Media, Emphasis in Game Development (‘21) | Production Coordinator at Drive Studio
“One of my favorite things about studying Game Dev at JPCatholic is the collaboration that occurs among the students. While our professors provide us with plenty of feedback on our digital work, they also encourage us to observe and critique our peers so that we can all help each other improve.”
Fr. Simon Esshaki
B.S. in Communications Media, Emphasis in New Evangelization (‘12) | Chaldean Catholic Priest
“I always tell people that JPCatholic is the best school in the world, and I truly believe that.”