How To Become A Professor Of Visual Arts: What It Is and Career Path

What is a professor of visual arts and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A professor of visual arts usually works at a university and introduces students to the wonders of the visual art world. They can specialize in painting, sculpture, photography, or another medium. Professors of visual arts develop curriculums and lecture on art history, composition, or other related topics. They also lead student workshops, guide students as they create their own artwork, and grade student portfolios. They may work with the whole department to organize art shows and events for the benefit of the students. However, a professor of visual arts' life does not revolve around their students. Many are quite accomplished artists in their own right and keep producing work and research while they are teaching.

Professors of visual arts need to be highly accomplished artists before they can teach others. Most have a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) or a doctorate degree in art. To be competitive for prestigious postings, it helps if candidates have any art awards or grants.

On average, professors of visual arts earn $63,844 a year. However, most go into this field because of their passion for the arts and not because of money.

ScoreProfessor Of Visual ArtsUS Average

Salary

4.6

Avg. Salary $58,307

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.8

Growth rate 12%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.2

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.28%

Asian 11.29%

Black or African American 7.12%

Hispanic or Latino 10.15%

Unknown 4.93%

White 66.24%

Gender

female 56.47%

male 43.53%

Age - 46

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46

Stress level

4.8

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

9.7

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

8.9

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a professor of visual arts

Explore professor of visual arts education requirements

Most common professor of visual arts degrees

Bachelor's

50.0 %

Master's

39.1 %

Associate

7.8 %

Start to develop specific professor of visual arts skills

Skills	Percentages
Fine Arts	34.21%
Photography	30.02%
Art History	19.91%
BFA	6.44%
Syllabus	6.37%

Research professor of visual arts duties and responsibilities

Develop syllabus and overall course structure, including weekly assignments, assessments, and administer all grades.
Develop and teach courses in computer graphics, graphic design, and filmmaking.

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