Assistant Professor, Graphic Design

University of San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 77,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent Benefits

On-campus Fitness Centers

Retirement contribution

Job summary

The University of San Diego invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Visual Arts: Graphic Design beginning Fall 2027. We seek practitioners with strong teaching and a commitment to undergraduate education, capable of integrating traditional and digital design methods.

Candidates should demonstrate engagement with contemporary design discourse, collaboration across disciplines, and a willingness to participate in department and college service within

Qualifications

• Hold an MFA or equivalent in art and/or design, or closely related field.
• Demonstrated teaching experience at the undergraduate level.
• Knowledge of tools and processes across media relevant to contemporary design.
• Evidence of a sustained practice engaging with design discourse.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate Graphic Design courses and contribute to curriculum.
• Advise and mentor students, supporting their academic success.
• Engage in service at department and college levels.
• Collaborate with faculty across disciplines on cross-curricular projects.

Skills

Teaching experience

Graphic design knowledge

Media across digital and material

Critical design perspectives

Education

MFA or equivalent in art and/or design

Tools

Digital tools

Virtual environments

Media processes

Job description

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Apply now Posting #: 5638
Position Status: Faculty, Full-time regular
Location: San Diego
Position Type: Faculty, College of Arts and Sciences

Position Title & Department:

Assistant Professor, Graphic Design

Posting #

5638

Department Description:

The Department of Art, Architecture + Art History (DAA+AH) is home to three intertwined programs committed to developing the next generation of artists, architects, designers, critics, and creative thinkers. The program in Visual Arts offers students a broad foundation with lower-division courses in drawing, photography, sculpture, graphic design, video and animation. It allows for both disciplinary specificity and interdisciplinary breadth with advanced studies into 2D, 3D, and 4D (time-based) traditional and emerging practices, and the curriculum finishes with a capstone sequence that includes a thesis exhibition representing their specific research and pathway through the major. Visual Arts at USD is uniquely positioned to provide students with close faculty mentorship and opportunities for funded research within a liberal arts context. To learn more, see the department website .

The College of Arts and Sciences is at the heart of the University of San Diego.

Our philosophy is built on the enduring values of the Catholic intellectual tradition, immersing students in the concepts of free inquiry, ethical conduct and compassionate service. The College aims to establish an academic foundation for students to thrive and gain a comprehensive education, which spans the sciences, arts and social sciences. Through our exemplary liberal arts education and rigorous scholarship, we aspire to not only educate the mind but also develop the whole person.

University Description:

The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity’s urgent challenges .

Detailed Description:

The Department of Art, Architecture + Art History (DAA+AH) in the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of San Diego (USD) invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position in Visual Arts: Graphic Design at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin Fall 2027.

We seek candidates who embrace USD’s teacher-scholar model: an active practitioner in the field of design with a deep interest in teaching and supporting student success. Ideal candidates have expertise in design’s trajectory from its traditional association with discrete printed materials to digital tools and virtual environments that can process experience, data, and information in interactive and expansive contexts. Candidates should have the ability to apply these skills and concepts to teach innovative classes that critically engage the language and history of art and design.

The ideal candidate actively contributes to and collaborates with a vibrant community of undergraduates engaged in a broad range of disciplines within a visual arts program. Additionally, this candidate would be interested in exploring cross-curricular partnerships and collaborations within and outside the department—a well-supported priority at USD.

USD’s academic leadership model presents possible future opportunities to participate in shared governance in the College and beyond. All faculty are required to engage in service at the department and College level. We are looking for a colleague who is interested in joining the fabric of our community through teaching, advising, leading, mentoring, and departmental and college-wide service.

Job Requirements:

The successful candidate will:

• Hold an MFA or equivalent in art and/or design, or a closely related field.
• Have demonstrated teaching experience at the undergraduate level.
• Show knowledge of and a sustained engagement with tools and processes across media germane to contemporary design practices and both digital and material outcomes.
• Demonstrate engagement with critical perspectives around making and show evidence of a sustained practice that contributes to the dialogues and the discourses of contemporary graphic design.

Background check: Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.

$6,931.25-$7,917 monthly: Excellent Benefits
The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers. Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer. USD: Human Resources: Benefits

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.

Advertised: July 31, 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Open until filled