Game Development Program (Bachelor of Science in Communications Media)

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 Game Development 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 Gaming pipeline with the flexibility to specialize in your area of interest by focusing on courses suited to your goals.

Choose from Gaming electives within two different tracks: Game Art and Game Design & Programming. In addition to the hands-on coursework in digital media, you’ll also take our core curriculum which includes Theology, Philosophy, Humanities, and Business.

Game Development Tracks

• Game art-Focus your Gaming electives on observational drawing, life drawing, 3d prop and environment design, 3d character modeling, texturing, and lighting interactive scenes for your game.
• Game design & programming-Focus your game development electives on the technical and conceptual side, with coursework in game engines, scripting, level design, interactive narratives, and game design.
• 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

Hands-on, Project-based Curriculum

• In our Game Development program, you’ll hone the critical skills you will need to flourish in your career. Our hands-on curriculum focuses on creativity and action, bringing your ideas to life with excellence in every aspect of the pipeline. You’ll start creating projects in your freshman year, giving you abundant opportunities to develop your craft.

Industry Standard Equipment

• Our creative arts programs emphasize hands-on experience when it comes to learning your craft— that’s why we give you access to cutting-edge equipment and software starting your freshman year. You’ll have access to all the tools you need to make your vision a reality, including a Motion Capture suit, Wacom tablets, a Drawing Studio, and a professionally equipped Media Lab.

Senior Project Spotlight: Shepherd of Light

• In 2019, the Game Development senior class collaborated to launch a fantasy puzzle game on Steam. Within just 2 months of release, the game had over 25,000 downloads with over 300 reviews and a 95 percent Positive rating! Click through to go behind the scenes with our Gaming students and download the game for free on Steam.

Located in San Diego County

• Our campus 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. Most importantly, our strategic location provides students with opportunities to intern with gaming companies in San Diego and even Los Angeles.

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.

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.
• Our small classroom sizes offer the chance for one-on-one mentorship from industry professionals who still work in their field.

Generous Scholarships Available

• At JPCatholic, we’re committed to making a quality Catholic education affordable for every student. 99 percent 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.

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.

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.