What degrees are offered?
JP Catholic University currently offers two Bachelor of Science degree programs and with its year round structure students finish their degree program in 3 years.

Why call the university after the late Pope John Paul?
The university is a response to the late Pope John Paul II's call to a “new evangelization” using the media. Media has become the singular more powerful influence on today's culture – for good and evil. John Paul II, in his Rapid Development document, called for a formation and participation in the world of media. In his 2002 World Communications Day address, John Paul II dared “to summon the whole Church bravely to cross this new threshold, to put out into the deep of the Net, so that now as in the past the great engagement of the Gospel and culture may show to the world 'the glory of God on the face of Christ'.

JP Catholic offers degree programs currently in communications media and business with plans to add programs in media-enabling technology shortly. It forms students by preparing them for a Christ-inspired participation in the world of media.

Why focus on the business of New Media?
The Old Hollywood monopoly is over, or will be soon: In the new digital era, no one will be in control--except, in a way, all of us will be.... Transmitting video files to consumers over digital broadband connections--whether via cable, phone, satellite, or wireless Wi-Max--changes the whole equation. We'll have smart ways to search for, grab, view, store, organize, and replay what we want--and, often, to modify and share it. We'll get it when, how, and where we want, whether we're watching in our home theaters or on laptops or handheld devices. ... We'll create and disseminate our own video entertainment rather than just consume it. And more artists will be able to give us what appeals to our specific interests rather than to the lowest common denominators of society. From Fast Company - Dec 2005

JP Catholic graduate will build influential businesses in the media, particularly in the field of new media. Its curriculum focuses on the critical components of building a business and its on-campus Lanunch Pad helps to launch them.

Why San Diego?
San Diego is a global center for the development of new media enabling technologies, a center for innovation, and an emerging center for online video gaming and mobile entertainment. It is geographical close to the global media capital of Los Angeles.

What is novel about JP Catholic?
JP Catholic prepares students to “be not afraid” in proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world - a new evangelization. Its degree programs provide a radical blending of Catholic spiritual, ethical, moral and social principles, with world-class and cutting-edge creativity and innovation in the culturally influential fields of communications media, media-enabling technology, and business preparing the students to become creators and innovators, leaders and entrepreneurs. Faculty are experienced practitioners, with advanced degrees, who are experts in both theory and practice. They provide guidance during the creation of student-inspired entrepreneurial ventures.

What is the spirituality of JP Catholic?
JP Catholic is influenced by the spirituality of St. Ignatius with students being lead to the knowledge and love of God and to the salvation of their souls and blended with the humility, obedience, and simple living of the Gospel without compromise, of St Francis. We follow Francis in his unwillingness to be critical of the Church, choosing rather to love the Church and serve her - renewing the Church by a commitment to personal holiness and constant conversion.

What is the relationship of JP Catholic to the diocese of San Diego?
Bishop Robert Brom, bishop of the diocese of San Diego, has given his consent to include the word Catholic in the name of the university. The diocese of San Diego does not endorse or promote the university, since JP Catholic has an independent Board of Trustees. JP Catholic will benefit from the same level support offered by the diocese to the University of San Diego. JP Catholic will receive no financial support from the diocese. JP Catholic, like USD, has propose to Bishop Brom to appoint a member to its Board of Trustees. He accepted and has appointed Fr Anthony Saroki as his official representative. Read more ....

What is the relationship of JP Catholic to the University of San Diego?
JP Catholic views itself as complementary to the University of San Diego. Our respective academic programs have little overlap. In the area of Business, JP Catholic has a singular focus on building entrepreneurial businesses, particularly in new media, while USD has a nationally recognized traditional business program. USD is and will always be a much larger institution than JP Catholic. Together, we will serve the Lord, by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ to students of higher education is Southern California.

Will JP Catholic have any association with Religious Orders?
JP Catholic will not align with a single order, but will rather invite various religious orders to send Chaplains and/or faculty.

Does John Paul the Great Catholic University have an Approval to Operate and Accreditation?
Read all about our State Approval to Operate and our progress toward WASC accreditation.

How will the university outreach to the people of the San Diego diocese?
JP Catholic has outreach to the San Diego community through its free Bible Studies, Praise and Worship evenings, film screenings, and our Young Adult Conferences.

Where is the University campus located?
The current leased campus facility is in the Scripps Ranch area of San Diego and the ultimate permanent campus will be in San Diego County, preferably in San Diego North County.

Are Scholarships, Financial Aid, and Work Study available?
Yes. Students should apply early. Acceptance is independent of their ability to pay. Accepted students may apply for all scholarships, financial aid, and work study.

What are JP Catholic's enrollment goals?
The first class has 30 students. Within four years, the enrollment goal is 194 students, and reaching a steady state of 1600 students once we build a permanent campus.

Will there be a Liberal Arts or Religious Studies major?
No. There are many options for great Catholic liberal arts and Religious Studies education. This is not the mission of JP Catholic. Students will be required to take some liberal arts courses as appropriate to their major.

I would like printed material on JP Catholic
Many John Paul the Great Catholic University key documents (PDF) are here on the web. Please feel free to print and distribute.