Adjunct Faculty, Professional Studio

Maryland Institute College of Art; Mica (WA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 124,000; Part time

Job summary

Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) seeks experienced adjunct instructors to design and deliver high-quality courses for Professional Studio / Open Studies. The role emphasizes practical, marketable skills for working professionals and supports diverse delivery formats including synchronous, asynchronous, and on-campus teaching.

The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in one or more creative economy areas, plus experience translating knowledge into career-ready outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in related field.
• 5+ years of professional experience in creative industry.
• Experience teaching or developing content for adult learners preferred.
• Ability to deliver asynchronous and/or online courses.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop course content that aligns with the Professional Studio’s core criteria: upskilling, marketable skill development, and practical application.
• Create a pedagogical approach and course structure that can be delivered in a variety of formats (synchronous, asynchronous, or on-campus).
• Develop engaging and relevant learning materials, including lesson plans, video lectures, interactive exercises, and real-world case studies.
• Incorporate content that is future-market oriented and relevant to national and international markets.
• Deliver instruction for assigned courses, fostering an active and supportive learning environment.
• Provide timely and constructive feedback on student assignments, projects, and portfolios.
• Communicate with students and provide an engaging learning environment in which students feel comfortable asking questions and participating fully.
• Collaborate with Professional Studio leadership to define learning outcomes and ensure course content aligns with program goals.
• Work with instructional designers or program staff to prepare course materials and ensure they are ready for delivery.

Skills

Adult learners

Canvas LMS

Online/Async delivery

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Master’s degree in a related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Figma

Python

Houdini

Unreal

Job description

Welcome to the official site for employment opportunities at MICA. At MICA, we empower our employees to use their talent in a variety of ways. We are pleased that you are interested in career opportunities offered at MICA.

Position: Instructor, Professional Studio Courses (Part-Time, Adjunct)

Program: Professional Studio / Open Studies

The Professional Studio is a dynamic initiative designed to support the development and upskilling of creative professionals. We offer targeted programming that strengthens an individual's professional outlook and potential across a range of creative fields. Our courses, workshops, and credentials are built on the principles of applied skills, interdisciplinary problem-solving, and creative innovation, preparing artists, designers, and cultural producers to thrive in an evolving creative economy.

We are seeking experienced expert instructors to develop and deliver engaging content in flexible formats, with an emphasis on marketable skills, workforce development, and future-market relevance.

General Purpose: To develop and deliver high-quality, engaging courses for creative professionals, with a strong emphasis on practical skills. The ideal candidate will have deep professional expertise in one or more areas of the creative economy and be able to translate this knowledge into a format that supports the upskilling and career advancement of working professionals.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop course content that aligns with the Professional Studio’s core criteria: upskilling, marketable skill development, and practical application.
• Create a pedagogical approach and course structure that can be delivered in a variety of formats (synchronous, asynchronous, or on-campus).
• Develop engaging and relevant learning materials, including lesson plans, video lectures, interactive exercises, and real-world case studies.
• Incorporate content that is future-market oriented and relevant to national and international markets.
• Deliver instruction for assigned courses, fostering an active and supportive learning environment.
• Provide timely and constructive feedback on student assignments, projects, and portfolios.
• Communicate with students and provide an engaging learning environment in which students feel comfortable asking questions and participating fully.
• Collaborate with Professional Studio leadership to define learning outcomes and ensure course content aligns with program goals.
• Work with instructional designers or program staff to prepare course materials and ensure they are ready for delivery.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and structure comprehensive course materials, including syllabi, learning modules, and assignments.
• Ensure all course materials are current, industry-relevant, and aligned with market demands.
• Design and implement a variety of assessment methods, such as project-based assignments, critical analysis, and peer review, that demonstrate the acquisition of marketable skills.
• For asynchronous courses, maintain a consistent presence in the online classroom, providing support and guidance to students.
• For synchronous courses, lead engaging sessions that promote discussion and applied learning.
• Maintain accurate grade records and provide feedback in a timely manner.
• Serve as a professional expert and mentor, guiding students in their career development and professional practice.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive professional experience in one or more of the following areas: creative technology in the relevant industry, such as the Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Python, Houdini, Unreal, etc.
• Proven ability to work successfully with adult learners, with an emphasis on hands-on, practical applications.
• Familiarity with learning management systems (e.g., Canvas) and virtual conferencing platforms.
• Strong understanding of the creative economy and its evolving demands, including a focus on workforce development and upskilling.
• Ability to design and deliver content that is relevant to national and international markets.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• 5+ years of professional experience in a creative industry or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• 10+ years of professional experience.
• Prior experience teaching or developing content for adult learners, either in a university setting or corporate training environment.
• Experience in asynchronous and/or online course delivery.

Conditions of Employment

Satisfactory Background Check

Physical Demands and Work Environment The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical Demands: While performing the duties of the job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Work Environment: While performing the duties of the job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal to moderate.

Required Training: Handbook orientation, Anti-Harassment, Hazard Communication, Emergency Plans & Fire Prevention, Personal Protection Equipment.

Additional Job Description

Maryland Institute College of Art is committed to its policy of providing equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or veteran status (disabled, Vietnam-era, or otherwise). Furthermore, the College does not tolerate any form of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment or sexual violence. This policy applies to all programs, facilities, and activities provided by Maryland Institute College of Art, including but not limited to admission, educational programs, and employment.

Successful candidates for any staff or faculty positions will be subject to a pre-employment background check.

MICA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact Human Resources at 410-225-2363.

Acknowledged nationally as a premier leader in art and design education, MICA is deliberately cultivating a new generation of artist – one that is capable of seamlessly integrating innovation, entrepreneurship and creative citizenship with contemporary approaches to art, design and media. MICA is redefining the role of the artists and designers as creative, solutions-oriented makers and thinkers who will drive social, cultural, and economic advancement for our future. As the oldest continuously degree-granting college of art and design in the nation, MICA is located in Baltimore, deeply connected to the community. It is a leading contributor to the creative economy regionally and a top producer of nationally and internationally recognized professional artists and designers.