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Mfa Graduate Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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How much do mfa graduate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for mfa graduate in Colorado is $23.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.24 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an MFA graduate?

An MFA Graduate job typically refers to roles that leverage expertise gained from a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree, such as positions in creative writing, visual arts, theater, or design. Graduates may work as professional artists, writers, educators, or in creative industries like publishing, entertainment, or advertising. Many pursue freelance work, teaching positions at universities, or roles in museums and galleries. The job opportunities vary based on specialization, portfolio, and networking efforts.

What types of career paths are available to individuals with an MFA degree?

MFA graduates often pursue careers as professional artists, writers, performers, educators, or in creative industry roles such as curators, art directors, or content creators. Many find opportunities in academic settings, museums, publishing, film, and arts organizations, often combining freelance and full-time work. Daily responsibilities may include developing creative projects, collaborating on productions, teaching, or curating exhibitions. The MFA provides both practical experience and networking opportunities, which can help you build a strong career foundation and advance into leadership or specialized roles over time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an MFA graduate?

To thrive as an MFA Graduate, you need advanced creative abilities in your chosen discipline (such as visual arts, writing, theater, or film) supported by a Master of Fine Arts degree. Experience with relevant technical tools, such as digital editing software, studio equipment, or professional writing platforms, is often essential, along with a strong portfolio of work. Collaboration, adaptability, and effective communication are vital soft skills, enabling successful project execution and networking within creative industries. These skills and qualities are important for standing out in competitive artistic fields and sustaining a successful career in the arts.

Are MFA degrees worth it?

For an MFA graduate, the degree can enhance artistic skills, credibility, and networking opportunities, which may improve job prospects in fields like teaching, performing, or creating. However, the financial investment and potential limited job market should be considered when evaluating its overall value. Success often depends on individual talent, portfolio, and industry demand.

What can I do with an MFA graduate?

An MFA graduate can pursue careers in fields such as fine arts, graphic design, illustration, art education, or creative writing. These roles often require strong portfolio development, artistic skills, and knowledge of industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite or writing software. MFA graduates may work as artists, educators, editors, or in creative industries, often benefiting from networking and exhibition opportunities.

What are popular job titles related to Mfa Graduate jobs in Colorado?

For Mfa Graduate jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mfa Graduate jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Mfa Graduate jobs in Colorado are:

Infographic showing various Mfa Graduate job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $48,313 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Studio Art (Two-Dimensional) Affiliate Instructor

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Denver, CO • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Department
Art
By applying to this posting, you are entering an applicant pool for affiliate faculty. Screening of applicants will take place when positions come available. The number of these temporary, part-time, non-tenure track academic positions varies from semester to semester, depending on the needs of the program. As such, not everyone in the applicant pool for this position will be contacted and/or selected to teach.
About the University
Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) was founded to serve students who were underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and experiences did not fit the traditional mold. Sixty years later, the University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorado's extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU Denver is a model university for today's college students.
Proud of its federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado, the University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.
At MSU Denver, we are committed to our CADRE values: Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all community members are valued and belong. Our dedication to breaking down barriers to education, fostering open dialogue, and promoting world-class scholarship ensures that we provide exceptional services and innovative learning opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff.
Position Summary
The Department of Art at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) invites applications for part-time affiliate faculty teaching positions in Studio Art, two-dimensional media. MSU Denver is NASAD accredited and offers study in interdisciplinary artistic practices as well as media-specific coursework. The successful candidate will be interested in teaching classes that contributes to the contemporary focus of our Studio Art program.
For more information about the Department of Art in our College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, please visit: https://www.msudenver.edu/art.
Responsibilities
Teach one to three classes in studio foundations, drawing, painting, printmaking, or other media as appropriate. Must be available to teach in person on campus.
An affiliate faculty member's duties may also include but are not limited to: teaching assigned classes in person or online by delivering course content to students, preparing course materials and lesson plans, grading student work, providing students with robust feedback in a timely manner, addressing student questions consistent with university, college/school, and department policies, and providing online or in person academic support to students as needed and appropriate for the teaching assignment; providing instruction in assigned classes consistent with the content and learning objectives of the regular course syllabus and, if required, with department course coordination policies; and complying with university-wide student evaluation of instruction policies and peer observation policies. The ability to adapt and learn new modes of instruction is highly encouraged. Candidates need to be sensitive to the educational needs of a diverse student population.
Required Qualifications
BFA/BA in Art (or a closely related field) with an active professional portfolio, local or national recognition, and at least three years of teaching and/or professional experience in Art (or a closely related field) clearly outlined in a cover letter
Preferred Qualifications
  • MFA in Art (or a closely related field) or MA in Art (or a closely related field) with an active professional portfolio. In exceptional cases, BFA/BA in Art (or a closely related field) with an active professional portfolio, significant local or national recognition, and over three years of higher education teaching and/or professional experience in Art or Design clearly outlined in a cover letter).
  • Experience in teaching contemporary approaches to art, creative research, and critical thinking
  • Experience working with and sensitivity to the needs of a diverse urban student population including (but not limited to) students of color, LBGTQIA students, students from low-income backgrounds, first-generation students, students with disabilities, undocumented students, non-traditional students, student veterans, and English language learners

Terms of Employment
Affiliate faculty are part-time, at-will employees hired to teach on a per credit hour basis for specific classes, usually on a semester-by-semester basis. Affiliate faculty are not eligible for benefit coverage under the University's benefit program. All such teaching assignments are dependent on budget and enrollment.
Qualified candidates will be expected to teach in person/on campus upon hire.
Salary for Announcement
The final salary is based on the number of credit hours assigned at a rate determined by university policy.
Rate of pay per credit hour assignment can be between $1233 - $1512.
For more information, you may view pay rates here: Affiliate Rates.
How to Apply
Candidates must apply online through MSU Denver's career site, https://www.msudenver.edu/careers. Complete applications will include the following required materials:
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Cover letter
  • PDF professional portfolio (or professional portfolio website linked in CV)
  • A list of three professional references with contact information

Incomplete applications without required materials will not be considered. In the application portal, there is one location (the resume/cover letter submission field) to upload ALL required materials, including their professional portfolio. Multiple documents can be submitted into this one field; alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF and upload. Once submitted, you will not be able to edit your application.
Please submit questions to Matthew B Jenkins, Chair and Professor of Fine Art, at mjenki11@msudenver.edu or 303-615-0634
Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Posting Representative
Tanya Rogowsky
Posting Representative Email
trogowsk@msudenver.edu
Benefits
The University's benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long-term disability (LTD) plan. Visit MSU Denver's benefits website to learn more.
For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu.
Background Checks
Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.
Diversity Statement
Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.
We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.