About Rocky Mountain College
Rocky Mountain College, officially known as Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD), is a private institution specializing in art and design education, located in Lakewood, Colorado, United States. Founded in 1963 as the Colorado Institute of Art, it evolved into RMCAD in 2003, emphasizing creative disciplines such as animation, graphic design, fashion design, illustration, and interior design. The college's mission is to foster innovative thinkers and artists through hands-on learning and industry-relevant programs. Key achievements include accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission and recognition for its online programs, making it a leader in accessible art education. The campus is situated in a vibrant suburban area of Lakewood, offering modern facilities like state-of-the-art studios and digital labs. RMCAD serves over 1,000 students annually, with a focus on portfolio development and real-world projects. For more details, visit the Rocky Mountain College Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Colorado, and Academic Jobs in Lakewood.
The institution has a rich history of adapting to the evolving creative industry, incorporating technology like virtual reality into its curriculum. Notable alumni have gone on to work at major companies such as Pixar and Nike, highlighting the college's impact on the arts sector. RMCAD's commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its programs that support underrepresented artists. The college also boasts partnerships with local businesses in Denver's creative scene, providing internships and networking events. This makes Rocky Mountain College an ideal place for those passionate about blending creativity with education. Whether you're an aspiring faculty member or a student, the college offers a supportive environment for growth.
In terms of academic structure, RMCAD operates on a quarter system, allowing for accelerated learning paths. Its key departments include Fine Arts, Design, and Digital Media, each equipped with specialized resources. The college's location in Lakewood provides access to Colorado's natural beauty, inspiring outdoor art projects and environmental design courses. RMCAD has received awards for its sustainable campus initiatives, aligning with modern educational trends. For academics interested in higher education jobs at Rocky Mountain College, the institution emphasizes collaborative teaching and research in creative fields.
Overall, Rocky Mountain College stands out for its dedication to preparing students for dynamic careers in art and design, making it a cornerstone of Colorado's higher education landscape.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Rocky Mountain College
💼 Faculty job opportunities at Rocky Mountain College are abundant in creative and design-focused disciplines, reflecting the institution's emphasis on innovation and practical skills. High-demand roles include Assistant Professor in Graphic Design, Lecturer in Animation, and Research Fellow in Fashion Design. According to recent trends from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and higher education reports for 2025, the demand for faculty in art and design fields is growing by 8-10% annually in Colorado, driven by the expanding creative economy in the Denver area. Key departments at Rocky Mountain College, such as Illustration and Interior Design, often seek experts with industry experience to mentor students in portfolio-building and digital tools.
Salary ranges for these positions, based on 2025 data from Glassdoor and Chronicle of Higher Education, typically start at $50,000-$65,000 for entry-level Assistant Professors, rising to $70,000-$90,000 for tenured roles in specialized areas like Game Art. Factors influencing pay include experience, portfolio strength, and department needs, with bonuses for those bringing grant funding or industry partnerships. For instance, a Lecturer in Fine Arts might earn an average of $55,000 annually, while a Department Chair in Design could command $85,000+. These figures are competitive within Colorado's higher education sector, especially for private art colleges.
Rocky Mountain College prioritizes faculty who can integrate technology into teaching, such as using Adobe Creative Suite or 3D modeling software. Job trends indicate a shift toward hybrid roles combining teaching with research in sustainable design, aligning with Colorado's environmental focus. To explore professor positions at Rocky Mountain College, check out listings on AcademicJobs.com, where you can filter for higher education jobs at Rocky Mountain College. Internal links include Faculty Jobs, Lecturer Jobs, and Research Jobs. For location-specific opportunities, see Academic Jobs in Colorado.
Academic careers at Rocky Mountain College offer not just stability but also the chance to influence the next generation of artists. With small class sizes and a focus on mentorship, faculty enjoy meaningful interactions. Recent hires have included experts from the animation industry, boosting the college's reputation. If you're seeking faculty jobs at Rocky Mountain College, consider the vibrant community in Lakewood, which supports work-life balance with access to cultural events.
Assistant Professor in Animation
Salary: $50,000 - $70,000. Focus on digital storytelling.
Lecturer in Graphic Design
Salary: $55,000 - $75,000. Emphasize industry trends.
Research Fellow in Fashion
Salary: $60,000 - $80,000. Sustainable materials focus.
Adjunct in Illustration
Salary: $45,000 - $60,000 (part-time adjusted).
Why Work at Rocky Mountain College
Working at Rocky Mountain College offers unparalleled opportunities for academics passionate about art and design. The college's unique benefits include access to cutting-edge facilities, professional development funds, and a collaborative environment that encourages interdisciplinary projects. Research from 2025 higher education surveys highlights RMCAD's strong faculty retention rates due to its supportive culture and competitive benefits, such as health insurance and sabbaticals. Career prospects are enhanced by the college's location in Colorado's thriving creative hub, with networking events connecting faculty to industry leaders.
Unique advantages include small faculty-to-student ratios, allowing for personalized mentoring, and opportunities for research in emerging fields like digital media. Explore why academic careers at Rocky Mountain College are rewarding through Higher Ed Career Advice.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Rocky Mountain College
📊 The salary guide for faculty at Rocky Mountain College reflects the institution's commitment to attracting top talent in creative fields. Based on 2025 data from sources like the AAUP and Colorado Department of Labor, average salaries range from $50,000 for adjunct positions to over $90,000 for senior roles. Factors affecting pay include academic rank, years of experience, department (e.g., higher in Design vs. Fine Arts), and location premiums in Lakewood. For example, entry-level Assistant Professors earn $50,000-$65,000, while Associates average $65,000-$85,000, and Full Professors $80,000-$100,000+. These figures are influenced by the private college model, with potential for bonuses from grants or exhibitions.
Compared to national averages, Rocky Mountain College salaries are competitive, especially considering Colorado's cost of living. Tenure-track positions often include benefits like retirement matching, boosting total compensation. Research shows a 5% salary increase trend for 2025 due to inflation and demand for skilled educators. For detailed comparisons, visit Professor Salaries or University Salaries.
In departments like Animation, salaries can be higher due to industry demand, with averages around $70,000. Location in Lakewood adds value through lower taxes and access to Denver's job market. Faculty with publications or awards may negotiate higher pay, emphasizing the importance of a strong portfolio.
Overall, salaries in Rocky Mountain College academia support a fulfilling lifestyle, with opportunities for supplemental income through freelance or consulting in the arts sector.
| Rank | Average Salary | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $57,000 | $50,000 - $65,000 |
| Associate Professor | $75,000 | $65,000 - $85,000 |
| Full Professor | $90,000 | $80,000 - $100,000+ |
| Lecturer | $55,000 | $45,000 - $65,000 |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Rocky Mountain College
⭐ Discover top educators at Rocky Mountain College through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com. This platform helps students and academics find highly rated professors based on real feedback, aiding course selection and recognizing teaching excellence in programs like Animation and Design.
Dr. Thomas Lucas - Animation
Rating: 4.8/5. Praised for innovative projects.
Prof. Elena Ramirez - Graphic Design
Rating: 4.7/5. Excellent in critiques.
Dr. Michael Chen - Illustration
Rating: 4.9/5. Inspiring mentor.
Prof. Sarah Kline - Fashion Design
Rating: 4.6/5. Industry-focused teaching.
Dr. Robert Hayes - Interior Design
Rating: 4.8/5. Practical applications.
Prof. Lisa Tran - Fine Arts
Rating: 4.7/5. Creative freedom encouraged.
Career Progression at Rocky Mountain College
Career progression at Rocky Mountain College follows a structured path from adjunct to tenured professor, with salaries increasing by rank: Adjunct ($45,000+), Assistant ($50,000+), Associate ($65,000+), Full ($80,000+). Tenure-track opportunities emphasize research funding and professional development in creative fields. Learn more at Higher Ed Career Advice.
Faculty benefit from workshops and collaborations, with university-specific factors like art exhibitions boosting advancement.
Research and Innovation at Rocky Mountain College
🔬 Research at Rocky Mountain College focuses on digital innovation, sustainable design, and creative technologies, with centers like the Design Lab. 2025 trends include VR applications and eco-friendly materials. Explore Research Jobs.
Funding comes from grants and partnerships, offering opportunities for collaborative projects.
Resources for Rocky Mountain College Academics
- 🎓 Professional development workshops on digital tools.
- 💼 Faculty unions for advocacy and benefits.
- Health and retirement plans.
- Access to Higher Ed Career Advice.
Student Life and Perspectives at Rocky Mountain College
Student life at Rocky Mountain College includes vibrant clubs, art shows, and career fairs. Choose programs wisely using Rate My Professor. Outcomes lead to jobs in creative industries.
