Assistant Professor, Graphic Design

Location: San Diego, College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Art, Architecture + Art History (DAA+AH)

About the Department

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. 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.

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 spanning the sciences, arts, and social sciences. Through our exemplary liberal arts education and rigorous scholarship, we aspire to educate the mind and develop the whole person.

About the Role

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.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses in graphic design, integrating traditional and digital practices.
• Engage in a sustained creative practice that contributes to contemporary graphic design dialogues.
• Mentor and advise students within the Visual Arts program.
• Participate in departmental and college-wide service and shared governance.
• Explore and develop cross-curricular partnerships within and outside the department.

Requirements

• Hold an MFA or equivalent in art and/or design, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated teaching experience at the undergraduate level.
• Knowledge of and 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 discourses of contemporary graphic design.

Application Materials

• Cover letter outlining alignment with the mission of the college and department.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Teaching statement describing a teaching philosophy that exemplifies inclusionary practice.
• Sample syllabi exemplifying approach to teaching graphic design.
• Statement outlining creative practice and/or scholarly work.
• Samples of creative practice or scholarly work.
• Samples of students’ creative work.
• Contact information for three references (letters requested if candidate advances to the second round).

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.

Pay

$6,931.25 - $7,917 monthly.