Fine Arts Professors
Overview
Fine arts professors teach college students about visual arts, theater, and music through hands-on classes and creative projects. They design course materials, grade student work, and help students plan their academic paths while using modern tools like digital art software and online learning platforms. These professors also conduct research, publish their findings, and collaborate with other faculty to create innovative programs that blend traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology. Many work in flexible environments that combine in-person studio time with virtual collaboration.

Did you know?
Most postsecondary positions require a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) or doctoral degree, with many institutions preferring candidates with terminal degrees in their artistic discipline.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$74,651.18 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Reading Comprehension
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Act as advisers to student organizations.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, performances, projects, assignments, and papers.
- Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
- Prepare students for performances, exams, or assessments.
- Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
- Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
- Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as acting techniques, fundamentals of music, and art history.
- Explain and demonstrate artistic techniques.
- Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- Organize performance groups and direct their rehearsals.
- Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks and performance pieces.
- Participate in campus and community events.
- Keep students informed of community events, such as plays and concerts.
- Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
- Maintain or repair studio facilities.
- Display students' work in schools, galleries, and exhibitions.
- Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
- Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
- Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
- Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
Career Considerations
Advanced Degree Requirements
Most postsecondary positions require a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) or doctoral degree, with many institutions preferring candidates with terminal degrees in their artistic discipline.
Portfolio and Creative Practice
Successful candidates must maintain an active creative practice with a strong portfolio of artistic work, exhibitions, or performances alongside their teaching responsibilities.
Competitive Job Market
The academic job market for arts faculty is highly competitive, with limited tenure-track positions and increasing reliance on adjunct or part-time instructors.