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Graphic Design Professor Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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Graphic Design Professor information

See Minnesota salary details

$12

$26

$42

How much do graphic design professor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for graphic design professor in Minnesota is $26.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.52 and $30.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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 popular job titles related to Graphic Design Professor jobs in Minnesota?

For Graphic Design Professor jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Graphic Design Professor jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Graphic Design Professor jobs in Minnesota are:

Graphic Design Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graphic Design Professor job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,799 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Adjunct Professor - Design Program

University of San Francisco

Hilltop, MN

$2.2K/wk

Part-time

Re-posted just now

University Of San Francisco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

237th of 631 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job Title:

Adjunct Professor - Design Program

Job Summary:

The Design Program, inside the Department of Art + Architecture at the University of San Francisco, invites applications for a pool of qualified, temporary, part-time instructors to teach on-site, in-person classes for our Design Program.

Full Job Description:

This position seeks candidates from the field of Design who can teach undergraduate studio classes at all levels, from introductory to advanced, in the areas of print, digital, interactive, product, and information design. Ideal candidates connect design practice to issues of political, environmental, and community concern, and are conversant with historical and contemporary issues in the field. A list of courses taught in our program is available in our course catalog, and includes:

ART 110 - History of Western Design

ART 140 - Design Fundamentals

ART 155 - Visual Communication I

ART 272 - Visual Communication II

ART 205 - Typography

ART 315 - Digital Media Design

ART 335 - Information Visualization

ART 345 - Exhibition Design Practicum

ART 350 - Advanced Typography

ART 371 - Copy Culture

ART 377 - Critical Brand/Package Design

ART 385 - Interaction Design

ART 301 - Design & Social Change

ART 304 - Sustainable Systems In Design

ART 450 - Design Internship

ART 460 - Senior Design Project

ART 480 - Professional Practice in Design

Screening of applicants begins immediately and will continue as needed; some appointments may begin as early as the Spring 2022 semester. The number of these temporary, part-time, non-tenure track, academic positions varies from semester to semester, depending on the needs of the program. Appointments are offered on a course-by-course basis, and appointment length is based upon course section schedule(s). Appointments may be renewable based on need, funding, and performance.

The academic calendar, including dates for our teaching semesters, are here. Part time faculty at USF are unionized and benefits are listed on the USF Part Time Faculty Association's website here.

Minimum Qualifications

MFA (or equivalent in work experience) in Design, Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Multimedia or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience teaching in a university environment.

  • Experience in course development, including creating course objectives and assignments.

  • Equal comfort and fluency in teaching technical and conceptual skills.

  • Readiness to work collaboratively with faculty across the department (Fine Arts, Art History Museum Studies, and Architecture).

  • Commitment to support the mission of the University of San Francisco.

  • Willingness to work in a culturally diverse environment, including engaging with and uplifting BIPOC students.

  • Effective organizational skills with attention to detail.

  • Effective verbal/written communication and presentation skills.

  • Ability to convey conceptual and complex ideas and information.

  • Ability to collaborate with colleagues and work within a team environment.

Submission instructions

All applicants are required to include the following:

1. Curriculum Vitae (PDF)

2. Cover letter (PDF) including: interests & qualifications; readiness to teach specific courses in our catalog; teaching philosophy.

3. Work samples, either as a URL to a website or a PDF portfolio.

Application materials and questions can be addressed to designsearch@usfca.edu.

Full-Time/Part-Time:

Part time

Pay Rate:

Salary

Salary Range :

$2,256 per unit

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