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Graphic Design Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

California State University

Assistant Professor of Art and Design (Graphic Design and Interaction Design) Apply now Job no: 549632 Work type: Instructional Faculty - Tenured/Tenure-Track Location: East Bay Categories: Unit 3 - ...

California State University

Assistant Professor of Art and Design (Graphic Design and Interaction Design) Apply now Job no: 549632 Work type: Instructional Faculty - Tenured/Tenure-Track Location: East Bay Categories: Unit 3 - ...

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How much do graphic design professor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for graphic design professor in the United States is $26.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $31.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graphic Design Professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graphic Design Professor, you need advanced expertise in design principles, a relevant degree (typically an MFA or equivalent), and a strong portfolio of professional work. Mastery of industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite and experience with digital design platforms are essential, along with teaching credentials or certifications. Excellent communication, mentorship, and curriculum development skills help you inspire and support students. These skills ensure effective teaching, up-to-date instruction, and the ability to prepare students for evolving industry demands.

What does a Graphic Design Professor do?

A Graphic Design Professor teaches students the principles and techniques of graphic design at the college or university level. They develop course materials, deliver lectures, lead workshops, and guide students through hands-on projects. In addition to teaching, they may also conduct research, participate in curriculum development, and mentor students pursuing careers in graphic design. Professors often have industry experience and help students build professional portfolios. Their goal is to prepare students for success in the creative industries.

What is the difference between Graphic Design Professor vs Graphic Designer?

AspectGraphic Design ProfessorGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s in Graphic Design or related field, teaching certification may be preferredPortfolio, relevant degree or certification in graphic design
Work EnvironmentAcademic settings, classrooms, offices within educational institutionsDesign studios, corporate offices, freelance settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, art schoolsAdvertising agencies, design firms, freelance clients

While both roles involve graphic design skills, a Graphic Design Professor primarily teaches students in academic settings, focusing on education and curriculum development. In contrast, a Graphic Designer applies design skills to create visual content for clients or companies. The key difference lies in their work environment and primary responsibilities, with professors emphasizing teaching and research, and designers focusing on project execution and client work.

What are some common challenges faced by Graphic Design Professors when balancing teaching and staying current with industry trends?

Graphic Design Professors often juggle multiple responsibilities, including curriculum development, mentoring students, and participating in departmental activities, while also needing to stay updated on evolving design software and industry practices. Keeping coursework relevant requires ongoing professional development and sometimes freelance or collaborative work outside academia. Many professors find that integrating real-world projects and industry partnerships into their teaching helps bridge the gap and keeps both their skills and students' learning experiences fresh. Balancing these demands can be challenging, but it also offers opportunities for growth and innovation within the role.
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Graphic Design Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graphic Design Professor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,951 per year, or $26.9 per hour.
Assistant Professor, Graphic Design

Assistant Professor, Graphic Design

High Point University

High Point, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

High Point University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

241st of 535 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Art and Graphic Design department at High Point University is seeking an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design to begin August 2026. This is a nine-month, non-tenure-track appointment with opportunities for promotion to Associate and Full Professor.
The Art and Graphic Design program is NASAD accredited and offers a BA in Design Studies (concentration in Graphic Design) and a BFA in Studio (concentration in Graphic Design) as well as a BA in Studio Art and a BFA in Studio (concentration in General Fine Arts). Our program uniquely balances both the conceptual and technical aspects of art and design while embracing strong interdisciplinary integration between studio art and graphic design. Our student-centered program is taught by faculty who are committed to the individual success of each student in a nurturing yet rigorous environment. Our facilities include two fully equipped Mac labs with Wacom Cintiq's and full-color duplex printers. Our department's facilities include a large-format printer, 3D printer, laser cutter, photography darkroom, and printmaking studio. Faculty are offered numerous opportunities for professional growth and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will: teach a 3-3 load (28 credits adjusted) of undergraduate studio courses per year (e.g., Digital Art and Design, Fundamentals of Design, Visual Literacy, History of Graphic Design, and other Foundations courses); participate in innovative teaching and curriculum development; pursue professional growth opportunities related to teaching; maintain a scholarly research program (creative works) appropriate to the position; advise and mentor undergraduate students; actively participate in department and school committees; and support the program, department, school, and university through service.

Required Qualifications:

  • MFA in Graphic Design or closely related discipline
  • Two years of teaching experience
  • Effective oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to interact with colleagues in a team environment.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Practical experience within the design industry
  • Evidence of focus on student-centered learning
  • Teaching at the university-level
  • Evidence of participation in innovative teaching and curriculum development
  • Experience with NASAD accreditation

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To apply, please submit the following:

  • Letter of intent and teaching philosophy;
  • Curriculum vitae;
  • Portfolio of student and professional work site;
  • Graduate school transcript (unofficial acceptable at time of application);
  • Names, addresses and relationships of three references; including email and phone numbers. One referent must be familiar with your teaching abilities.

For more information regarding this position please contact Mark Brown, Chair and Associate Professor of the Art and Graphic Design Department at mabrown@highpoint.edu.

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