ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Assistant Professor Composition Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProfessor Composition JobsAssistant Professor Composition Jobs

Assistant Professor Composition information

See salary details

$42.5K

$80.1K

$135K

How much do assistant professor composition jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant professor composition in the United States is $80,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Assistant Professors of Composition during their first few years, and how can they be addressed?

Assistant Professors of Composition often encounter challenges such as balancing teaching loads with research and publication demands, adapting to diverse student writing abilities, and integrating into departmental culture. To address these, it's helpful to establish a clear time management plan, seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, and actively participate in faculty development workshops. Building strong relationships with students and other faculty members can also foster a supportive environment, making it easier to navigate the expectations of the role.

What is the difference between Assistant Professor Composition vs Assistant Professor Creative Writing?

AspectAssistant Professor CompositionAssistant Professor Creative Writing
Required CredentialsMaster's or Ph.D. in Composition, English, or related fieldMaster's or Ph.D. in Creative Writing, English, or related field
Work EnvironmentColleges, universities, teaching-focused institutionsColleges, universities, teaching-focused institutions
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions emphasizing writing instructionHigher education institutions emphasizing creative writing and literature
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Assistant Professor Composition and Assistant Professor Creative Writing are both faculty roles in higher education requiring advanced degrees. The main difference lies in their focus: Composition emphasizes teaching writing skills and rhetoric, while Creative Writing centers on nurturing students' creative storytelling and literary skills. Both roles are found in similar academic environments and often compared by job seekers interested in teaching writing at the college level.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Professor of Composition, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Professor of Composition, you need advanced academic credentials in English, Rhetoric, or a related field, along with a strong background in teaching writing at the college level. Familiarity with learning management systems (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard), digital writing tools, and current pedagogical methods is typically required. Excellent communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help foster student engagement and support departmental collaboration. These skills ensure effective instruction, student success, and continued professional growth in higher education environments.

What does an Assistant Professor of Composition do?

An Assistant Professor of Composition typically teaches writing and composition courses at a college or university. Their responsibilities include developing syllabi, delivering lectures, grading assignments, and mentoring students in writing skills. They may also conduct research in composition and rhetoric, publish scholarly work, and participate in academic service such as committees. Additionally, they often help design curriculum and stay updated on best practices in writing instruction. The role requires a balance of teaching, research, and service to the academic community.
More about Assistant Professor Composition jobs
What cities are hiring for Assistant Professor Composition jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Professor Composition job openings:
What states have the most Assistant Professor Composition jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Professor Composition jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Professor Composition jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Professor Composition jobs are:
Assistant Professor Composition jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Professor Composition job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,057 per year, or $38.5 per hour.
Assistant Professor - Composition Studies

Assistant Professor - Composition Studies

University of North Texas System

Denton, TX • On-site

Other

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Assistant Professor - Composition Studies

Apply now Job no: 513291
Work type: Faculty
Location: Denton
Categories: Faculty - Music

Title: Assistant Professor - Composition Studies

Employee Classification: Asst Professor

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Provost

SubDivision-Department: UNT-College of Music

Department: UNT-Composition Studies-134300

Job Location: Denton

Salary: Compensation is competitive and commensurate with the candidate's qualifications, experience, and discipline, in accordance with university guidelines and available funding.

FTE: 1.00

Retirement Eligibility: ORP Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health at Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.
 
We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.
 
Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.
 

Department Summary

The University of North Texas (UNT) College of Music is America's largest public-university music program and one of its most respected. UNT offers fully accredited degrees from the bachelor to doctoral levels and is home to the world's first jazz studies degree program. Faculty include internationally acclaimed artists and scholars in commercial music, composition, conducting, ethnomusicology, music business, music education, music history, music theory, and performance. The college presents more than 1,000 concerts and recitals annually. UNT music alumni can be found around the globe in impressive, award-winning careers across a wide range of music professions. For more information about the UNT College of Music, please see https://music.unt.edu/.
UNT has a highly diverse campus with a wide range of languages spoken in addition to English. We welcome candidates who have experience with HSI/MSIs and/or who speak Spanish, Vietnamese, American Sign Language, Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin and other variations), Arabic, Tagalog, Farsi, French, or/and Yoruba.

Position Overview

The composition faculty at the University of North Texas College of Music is a highly collaborative, forward thinking, student-focused team that collectively represents a wide range of musical practices. We seek a colleague who will add complementary perspectives to our engaged academic and artistic community.
We are looking for an open-minded and innovative composer with demonstrated success in composition instruction who will recruit, retain, mentor, and teach students in the Division of Composition Studies. Teaching responsibilities include courses, seminars, and applied lessons in composition at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, with an interest in developing courses that strengthen UNT's composition profile and goals. Course assignments vary by semester and rotate among the composition faculty, but may include both traditional and digital orchestration, as well as topics related to new and emerging creative musical technologies.
The successful candidate will be expected to establish and maintain a national/international profile as a composer by producing and disseminating original works and engaging in research activities within the discipline.
Candidates are expected to participate fully in academic and professional activities, including service assignments in the division, the college, and across the campus, as well as within the profession.
The candidate will be expected to build and maintain relationships with colleagues at UNT and with the profession at-large.

Minimum Qualifications

Earned doctorate in composition by the time of appointment. Demonstrated successful teaching experience at the college/university level, including both courses and private lesson instruction. Candidates must demonstrate excellence in research and creative activity, with a developing or established professional profile as a composer.

Preferred Qualifications

National profile in both acoustic music (e.g., orchestral, chamber, vocal) and music technology (e.g., spatial/3D audio, digital signal processing, real-time interactive systems, AI in music, physical computing) strongly preferred.

Required License/Registration/Certifications

Physical Requirements

Communicating with others to exchange information.

Environmental Hazards

No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

varies based on assignment

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

Please upload the following materials and links to the media files section of the application:
List of compositions and performances of original works.
Link to professional website.
Links to documentation (scores, audio recordings, videos, websites, etc.) of three representative works.
One-page statement on teaching philosophy and recruitment.
Cover Letter that aligns the candidate's qualifications with the minimum and preferred qualifications of the position as described above.
Please upload the listing of teaching and performance links in the media files section of the application.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -and takes actions to prevent - discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.

Advertised: 25 Feb 2026 Central Standard Time
Applications close:

Back to search results Apply now Refer a friend

Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App

Apply