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Assistant Professor Composition Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

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Assistant Professor Composition information

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant professor of composition?

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 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.

Do you need a PhD to be an assistant professor composition?

Typically, a PhD in composition, music, or a related field is required to become an assistant professor in composition at most academic institutions. Some positions may accept a master's degree with extensive professional experience, but a doctoral degree is generally preferred for tenure-track roles. Academic institutions often value research, publications, and teaching experience in addition to the highest degree earned.

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Professor Composition jobs in Ohio?

For Assistant Professor Composition jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Professor Composition jobs in Ohio look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Professor Composition jobs in Ohio are:

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Assistant Professor Composition jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Assistant Professor Composition job openings:

Assistant Professor Composition jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Professor Composition job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Visiting Assistant Professor (Two-Year), Music-Composition and Music Theory

The College of Wooster

Wooster, OH • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 hours ago

Job description

Description
The Music Department of The College of Wooster invites applications for a two-year Visiting Assistant Professor in Composition and Music Theory, to begin this August. The successful candidate will teach studio composition lessons and courses in music theory including Counterpoint and Orchestration, mentor junior and senior Composition majors in capstone Independent Study projects, and maintain a record of strong scholarly/artistic activity. Teaching in additional areas might be possible, based on areas of interest and expertise.
The College of Wooster is an independent college of the liberal arts and sciences with a commitment to excellence in undergraduate education. We enroll a racially, socioeconomically, and culturally diverse student population of approximately 2,000 undergraduate students, of which 6% identify as Latinx; 9% as Black/African American; 4% as Asian; 4% as multiracial; and 61% as white. Fifteen percent (15%) of our students are studying on international visas. Twenty-five percent (25%) are Pell-eligible and 11% are first-generation college students. We are interested in hiring faculty who can contribute to the intellectual vibrancy of the community through culturally relevant pedagogy, curricular diversity, intercultural fluency, and a commitment to ensuring equitable outcomes for racially and ethnically minoritized and marginalized student groups.
Qualifications
Experience in composition and completed doctorate or ABD in Composition or Music Theory required. Prior college-level teaching experience is strongly preferred.
Application Instructions
Applicants should submit through Interfolio: a letter of application, curriculum vitae, unofficial graduate transcripts, scores and recordings of three recently composed works (PDF with embedded audio or video link), three letters of recommendation, a teaching statement and/or evidence of effective teaching (e.g., syllabi, summaries of student evaluations), a research/creative activity statement, and a statement indicating their track record with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts and how they envision this will impact their teaching at the College of Wooster. Position will remain open until filled; applications received by July 1, 2022, will receive full consideration. Please contact Peter Mowrey (pmowrey@wooster.edu), chair of the search committee, with any questions.

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