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Graphic Design Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$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 Jul 1, 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.
More about Graphic Design Professor jobs
What cities are hiring for Graphic Design Professor jobs? Cities with the most Graphic Design Professor job openings:
What states have the most Graphic Design Professor jobs? States with the most job openings for Graphic Design Professor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Graphic Design Professor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 14% Full Time, 61% Part Time, 21% Contract, and 2% Nights. 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 of Practice in Graphic Design

Assistant Professor of Practice in Graphic Design

Louisiana State University

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

About Us:

Louisiana State University of Alexandria is a publicly supported institution that provides undergraduate level college education to the citizens of Central Louisiana. The university is a unit of the LSU System and operates under the auspices of the Louisiana Board of Regents. LSUA is located in Rapides Parish.

All Job Postings will close at 12:01a.m. CST (1:01a.m. EST) on the specified Closing Date (if designated).If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application progress will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through "My Draft Applications" located on your Candidate Home page.Job Posting Title:Assistant Professor of Practice in Graphic DesignPosition Type:FacultyDepartment:LSUA ASA - Liberal Arts (Brenda R Ellington (00009758))Work Location:LSU - AlexandriaPay Grade:AcademicJob Description:

Department: Communication & Arts, College of Liberal Arts

Position Title: Assistant Professor of Practice in Graphic Design

Supervisor: Dean, College of Liberal Arts

Purpose:

The Department of Communication & Arts at Louisiana State University of Alexandria seeks an Assistant Professor of Practice to join a dynamic team to teach a range of undergraduate graphic design courses in a variety of formats (face to face, hybrid, online). The successful candidate will be an experienced practitioner of graphic design willing to teach both introductory and upper-level fine arts courses with special consideration given to a candidate's area of specialization.

Responsibilities:

This position implies both competency in the discipline of Graphic Design as well as an enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring college students. LSUA is focused only on undergraduate education, and because of this, we place great emphasis on the scholarship of teaching. The successful candidate will be required to maintain a full-time annual teaching load, maintain involvement and interaction both with students and the university as a whole. Academic rigor is a priority, but we're also looking for a team player who values collaboration and teamwork.

Typical duties include but are not limited to:

  • Plans and teaches courses as assigned
  • Maintains flexibility and willingness to teach in a variety of environments
  • Prepares syllabi, instructional materials, coordinates lectures, tests, and evaluates
  • Maintains highest possible standards of classroom instruction
  • Regularly keeps office hours and maintains willingness to be receptive to students both in person and through email
  • Actively serves on university committees
  • Actively participates in institutional meetings
  • Demonstrates willingness to learn and enhance professional skills through regular professional development and other activities appropriate to higher education faculty
  • Stays updated on new information and developments in field of instruction
  • Assists with curriculum development
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor

Qualifications:

Relevant and extended experience in Graphic Design with an undergraduate degree in Graphic Design.

Rank will be commensurate with qualifications.

Hours:

Eight (8) hours per day, Monday - Friday 40 hours a week

Additional Job Description:Competencies:NoneSpecial Instructions:Application Instructions:
Please attach a Resume/CV, a cover letter, 3 references and unofficial transcripts. Official transcripts will be required upon hire.
Please attach all transcripts to your application. A background check is required for hire.
Questions or concerns about your application should be directed to LSUA Human Resources at (318) 473-6401 or hr@lsua.edu.

Skills Needed:

Preferred Skills:

Posting Date:June 23, 2026Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):June 28, 2026Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSUA offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University's partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N):LSUA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.HCM Contact Information:

Questions or concerns can be directed to the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 318-473-6401 or emailed hr@lsua.edu