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Graphic Design Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

$32K - $43K/yr

POSITION SPECIFICS The Department of Graphic Design at the Stuckeman School in Penn State's College of Arts and Architecture invites applications for two full-time tenure-track positions in Graphic ...

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Graphic Design Professor information

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$12

$26

$43

How much do graphic design professor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 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 - Art & Design (Graphic Design)

Assistant Professor - Art & Design (Graphic Design)

Southern Connecticut State University

New Haven, CT • On-site

Full-time, Contractor

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Tenure-Track Faculty Position
Department: Art & Design
Rank: Assistant Professor
Specialization: Graphic Design
Search #: 26-004
Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) is a diverse and student-centered university dedicated to academic excellence, access, and service for the public good. Southern provides a supportive and welcoming environment for all members of its community through a campus-wide commitment to social justice. SCSU is the only R2 institution in the State of Connecticut and a top producer of Fulbright U.S. Scholars. Founded as a teacher's college in 1893, Southern has evolved over the past century into a comprehensive public university of approximately 9,000 students, offering graduate and undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and professional disciplines. We seek to instill in all students the value of discovery with the liberal arts and sciences serving as a foundation for professional development and life-long learning. The University is located in New Haven, Connecticut, a city rich and vibrant with arts and culture, and home to many universities and with easy access to New York City and Boston.
The Department of Art & Design at SCSU invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position in Graphic Design beginning Fall 2026, within the most comprehensive Art & Design department in the Connecticut State University (CSU) System, and the only CSU program housed at an R2 institution.
We are seeking a dynamic, well-rounded, student-focused, career-minded designer and educator to join our team who understands current and emerging trends in design practice and pedagogy.
Brief Description of Duties/Responsibilities
The Department of Art & Design seeks to fill a full-time, tenure track, 10-month position in Graphic Design to teach, and support programmatic functions, to begin August 2026. The Graphic Design area, within the Art & Design Department, offers a BS in Graphic Design, MS in UI/UX Design, and a Minor in Graphic Design. The Graphic Design area also supports the BA in Art & Design, BS in Art & Design (additional concentrations), the General Education program, interdisciplinary studies degrees, and minors in Public Relations, Arts Administration and Cultural Advocacy, and the Digital Humanities through coursework.
The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching content that may include typography, motion, interactive and web design, information design, experiential design, packaging, illustration, animation, and other related fields at the undergraduate level, with opportunity to teach at the graduate levels. In addition to teaching responsibilities, faculty are required to engage in scholarship/creative activity, service to the department and University, professional participation, and student advising. While the nominal teaching load is 12-credits per semester, there is the opportunity for reassigned time.
The role of all Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) employees is to support a robust in-person learning environment for its students. In furtherance of this goal, while some classes may be remote or hybrid in accordance with student needs, faculty are generally required to be available for on-campus teaching. This means that while faculty may be scheduled to teach fully remote classes, there is no guarantee of fully remote work.
Required Qualifications
  • MFA (conferred prior to start date) in Graphic Design, or a closely related field
  • Relevant teaching experience at the undergraduate and/or graduate level in design
  • Demonstrated experience and articulated interest in teaching introductory-level design coursework
  • Evidence of productive scholarly activity and/or professional design practice

Preferred Qualifications
  • Ability to enhance and expand the curriculum by including more areas of graphic design, such as illustration, animation, AI integration (into design practice), information design/infographics, or other types of visual communication.
  • Demonstrated experience and articulated interest in working with underrepresented, diverse student populations.
  • Interest in working in an open-access program (no portfolio requirement) and with students who may have limited prior experience with - and access to - technology.
  • Engagement with professional organizations, industry partnerships, or community-based projects.

Application Process
Required materials must be combined and submitted as a single PDF
  • Cover Letter
  • CV
  • Teaching Philosophy
  • 10 samples of your design work
  • 10 samples of your students' design work

Please submit a single PDF to Alex Girard at ARTsearch1@southernct.edu by 5pm, Friday, February 27, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.
SCSU is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The University seeks to enhance the diversity of its faculty and staff. People of color, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

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