Adjunct Assistant Professor of Media Arts + Practice (Visual Design)

The Division of Media Arts + Practice (MA+P) within the School of Cinematic Arts invites applications for an Adjunct Assistant Professor to teach IML 430: Advanced Platform: Visual Design, an advanced undergraduate studio course in the BA in Media Arts + Practice program.

Building on a prior course that introduces the foundations of visual communication, IML 430 deepens students’ understanding of visual storytelling by focusing on the design of immersive, interactive, and participatory experiences. Through a combination of history, theory, and hands-on practice, students explore the evolving field of experience design – from museum installations and digital platforms to emerging media environments and motion graphics. Emphasis is placed on human-centered design, systems thinking, and multisensory approaches to crafting meaningful experiences across physical, digital, and hybrid spaces.

The course is part of the MA+P curriculum, which integrates critical theory, creative practice, and emerging technologies to foster new forms of storytelling and cultural expression.

The ideal candidate will:

• Possess professional expertise in experience design, graphic design, and motion graphics, with a strong portfolio that demonstrates a commitment to innovative, inclusive, and thoughtful design practices.

• Be able to guide students through a clear, research-based design process from ideation through prototyping and presentation.

• Be familiar with contemporary tools and platforms used in experience design (e.g., Figma, Adobe CC, Unity, web-based tools, AR/VR, spatial computing, etc.).

• Have experience teaching and mentoring undergraduate students in studio-based or interdisciplinary contexts.

• Bring an expansive and critical understanding of the cultural, ethical, and aesthetic dimensions of experience design as a field.

MA+P is a dynamic division that values interdisciplinary experimentation, critical engagement, and media fluency across forms. We welcome candidates who can contribute to a robust and inclusive learning environment and who are excited to support students working at the intersection of design, technology, and storytelling.

Minimum education: BA or BFA in cinema, media arts, design or related field

Minimum experience: 3-5 years of experience in graphic design, motion graphics and experience design

Preferred education: Master’s degree in related field

Preferred experience: 5-8 years of experience in graphic design, motion graphics and experience design

USC reserves the “Adjunct” appointment for faculty teaching less than full-time at USC, who are employed full-time in a primary profession or career elsewhere. Adjunct faculty typically teach only one course per year but, in exceptional cases, may teach one course per semester, if approved by the dean.

The hourly rate range for this position is $30.00 - $45.00 per hour. This is an adjunct 31.25% FTE position.

When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.