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Assistant Professor Composition Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Assistant Professor Composition information

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$42.5K

$80.1K

$135K

How much do assistant professor composition jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 18, 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:
Infographic showing various Assistant Professor Composition job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 21% As Needed, 32% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 36% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,057 per year, or $38.5 per hour.
Assistant Professor, School of Music

Assistant Professor, School of Music

University of Delaware

Newark, DE • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


University Of Delaware rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

491st of 537 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Assistant Professor, School of Music
Job no: 502889
College / VP Area: College of Arts & Sciences
Work type: Faculty
Location: Newark, DE
Categories: Music, Full Time
Curious about the full value of working at UD? In addition to salary, our Total Rewards benefits and Compensation Estimator give you a clear view of the complete package.
TENURE TRACK ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF COMPOSITION, SCHOOL OF MUSIC, COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE
INTRODUCTION/POSITION:
The School of Music at the University of Delaware invites applications for a full-time Assistant Professor in Composition. This is a full-time tenure track position. The School of Music is a vibrant community of musicians, educators, and scholars, providing dynamic performances and academic experiences for a diverse and inclusive community of students across the many areas and disciplines at the University of Delaware. We welcome applicants with a broad perspective on the field of composition and a diverse and varied background of compositional styles that will help prepare our students for an increasingly interconnected and changing world.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The selected candidate will possess a broad perspective on the field of composition with pedagogical competence to teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Earned doctorate (PhD or DMA) in music composition or a cognate discipline required. The candidate will show a record of successful teaching at the university level with a demonstrated commitment to representation and social interconnection. For more information: http://www.udel.edu/careers
QUALIFICATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The selected candidate must have an earned doctorate (PhD or DMA) in music composition or a cognate discipline; a record of university level teaching experience; a consistent record of professional activity as a composer, educator, and scholar on the state, regional, and national levels; and a demonstrated commitment to representation and social interconnection.
Responsibilities will include: teaching applied lessons in composition; facilitating weekly studio classes; teaching classes in orchestration, arranging, and music technology (including DAWs, music notation software, and basic recording techniques); organize composition student concerts and recitals; and maintaining a profile as an active composer/teacher at the state, regional, and national levels. Additional responsibilities will include service to the School of Music, College of Arts and Sciences, and the greater university. Preferred candidates will have and maintain a profile and recruiting/retention strategy that has high potential to attract quality undergraduate and graduate students.
SCHOOL OF MUSIC AT UD:
The mission of the School of Music, in the College of Arts and Sciences (https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/cas/) at the University of Delaware (https://www.music.udel.edu) is to provide the highest level of educational opportunities for music majors' professional learning as performers, educators, and scholars. The School provides optimal resources for significant musical growth through ensembles, private study, and academic music courses available to the general student population and others of the University community. The School comprises 60 full- and part-time faculty and professionals and enrolls approximately 250 undergraduate majors, minors and graduate students. Offered are Bachelor of Music degrees in Applied Music, Music Education, Music History, Music Theory, and Composition; Bachelor of Arts with a major in music and concentration in Music Management; and Master of Music degrees in Performance, Teaching, Chamber Music, and Composition. The School of Music provides opportunities for cultural enrichment to the University community and its constituencies, as well as leadership and support to music educators and other professional musicians in the region.
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES AT UD:
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is the largest college at the University of Delaware, comprising 22 academic departments, 2 academic centers, and 35 interdisciplinary centers, programs, and institutes across the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. CAS serves every student at the University through foundational coursework, while also supporting over 7,300 undergraduate and 1,100 graduate students majoring in our disciplines. In 2024-2025, CAS conferred more than 1,400 BA and AA degrees and 460 graduate degrees.
Our community includes more than 600 full-time tenure-track and non-tenure contract faculty who are leaders in their fields, innovators in teaching, and advisors to nonprofit and governmental agencies at the local, regional, national, and international levels. Faculty emphasize the enduring value of an arts and sciences education and share a deep commitment to excellence in scholarship and all forms of creative and intellectual expression. With annual sponsored research expenditures totaling more than $40 million, including significant funding from the NIH and NSF, CAS houses several large, interdisciplinary grants and maintains outstanding research and teaching facilities that encourage innovation and collaboration.
Guided by a commitment to shared governance, CAS faculty serve as leaders in the University and College Faculty Senates. More than 380 staff members and 45 postdoctoral fellows and researchers further enrich the CAS community by providing essential support to students and academic units. CAS maintains annual operating expenditures of over $152 million and is a hub for interdisciplinary engagement, connecting students and faculty with local, national, and global communities through research, creative activity, and public service.
THE UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE:
The University of Delaware is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or status as a protected veteran, as well as any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. For the University's complete non-discrimination statement, please visit www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html
TO APPLY:
Applicants should upload a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and contact information for at least three references. Apply by March 11th, 2026 for fullest consideration. Position is open until filled. For additional information, please contact Dr. Miles Brown, chair of the search committee (udbass@udel.edu).
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Compensation packages are highly competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. The UD benefits package is one of the best in the nation.
Notice of Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity
The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence.
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