"Assistant Professor of Media Arts"

Job Details

Department: School of Digital Arts

Campus Location: Wichita, KS-WSU Shocker Studios (Harry Street)

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm: Varies depending upon teaching schedule.

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

The magic behind the scenes! That is what we do. We are tech magicians tasked with bringing the entertainment world to life. Whether we are producing, directing, innovating, designing – we bring amazement to the imagination. That is what we are looking for in our Assistant Professor of Media Arts. We are seeking a full-time tenure track faculty member that will teach, advise, mentor and recruit undergraduate digital arts students across all concentrations. From the world of cinema to the odyssey of sound design, and even into the realm of gaming, we are looking for a digital arts generalist who has a passion for teaching and for creating amazing, beautiful stories. The academic appointment for this position will be effective August 2, 2026.

About the School of Digital Arts (SODA)
Offering a Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA) in Media Arts with concentrations in Acting for Digital Arts, Animation, Audio Production, Collaborative Design, Filmmaking, and Game Design, the School of Digital Arts stands out as the fastest growing school within the university. Its enrollment and programmatic expansion are outpacing initial projections and contributes to the institution’s record-breaking growth. The School of Digital Arts at Wichita State University is deeply connected to industry partners, giving students first-hand, applied learning experiences that bridge the classroom and real-world practice. These opportunities prepare students to enter their chosen fields with practical skills, professional networks, and clear career pathways: https://www.wichita.edu/digitalarts

About the College of Fine Arts (CFA)
Wichita State University’s College of Fine Arts includes four schools: Art, Design and Creative Industries, Digital Arts, Music, and Performing Arts. The college is a beacon for arts leadership and economy in the city, state, and region. Learn about the CFA arts and cultural impact: https://www.wichita.edu/about/strategic_plan/documents/2021-WSU-Impact-report-digital.pdf

Job Summary

Teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels using various instructional deliveries (e.g., traditional (face-to-face), hybrid, and fully online). To foster applied learning into the course design and engage with industry and local business community applied projects. To advance knowledge through scholarly activities (e.g., active involvement in committees, student mentorship, recruitment and retention initiative, outreach activities, etc.)

Essential Functions

Meet expectations for research, teaching, and service as set forth by the department and college.

Job Duties

Our new colleague will teach courses in Introduction to Media Arts, Introduction to Media Aesthetics and Analysis, Introduction to Media Arts Software, and/or Professional Practice courses in Business Development, Portfolio Development, and Legal Issues. In addition, the position will be responsible for the new Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts currently under curricular review.

Required Education and Experience:

• Terminal degree in direct field
• Teaching experience

Faculty Requirements

• Terminal degree in Media Arts, Digital Media, Film/Filmmaking, Animation, Game Design, Interactive Media, Design, Media Studies, Communication or related field/discipline. (Must have completed terminal degree by time of application.)
• Professional experience in the field.
• Willingness to accommodate a variety of learning styles and strategies in instructional delivery and learning activities, including online and blended learning, flexible teaching methods, and applied learning approaches.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to use industry-standard creative software across multiple concentrations (Adobe Creative Cloud, DaVinci Resolve, Unreal Engine, Pro Tools, etc.).
• Experience teaching foundational courses such as media aesthetics, media software, and professional practices (e.g., business development, portfolio, legal issues).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional experience in digital media production (film, audio, animation, game design, or interactive media).
• 3+ years professional experience in the field.
• Record of creative scholarship, exhibitions, screenings, or professional projects with regional, national, or international impact.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor students across multiple digital arts concentrations and guide interdisciplinary projects.
• Experience with curriculum development in media arts foundations and professional practice courses.
• Commitment to applied learning and preparing students for careers in creative industries.

Additional Information:

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS:
Cover Letter/Letter of Application
Teaching Philosophy
Portfolio of Creative and/or Scholarly Work (URL): include up to 15 examples of your artistic, creative, or scholarly achievements and 15 examples of student work
Course Syllabi or Sample Syllabus

For more information contact: Ely Marin, Assistant Educator of Collaborative Design, Chair, Media Arts Search Committee, Wichita State University, elymar.marin@wichita.edu

Physical Requirements:
Ability to remain in a stationary position – Frequent 60-90%;
Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators – Frequent 60-90%

Additional Physical Requirement: