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Assistant Professor Rhetoric Composition Jobs in Milwaukee, WI

Assistant Professor Rhetoric Composition information

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$41.9K

$78.9K

$133K

How much do assistant professor rhetoric composition jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant professor rhetoric composition in Milwaukee, WI is $78,875.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,100.00 and $90,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Assistant Professors of Rhetoric and Composition?

Assistant Professors of Rhetoric and Composition are entry-level, tenure-track faculty members at colleges or universities who specialize in teaching and researching writing, rhetoric, and composition studies. They often teach undergraduate and graduate courses in academic writing, rhetorical theory, and related subjects, and may also mentor students or oversee writing programs. In addition to teaching, they are expected to conduct scholarly research, publish their findings, and participate in service activities within their department and institution. Their work helps improve students' writing skills and advances scholarship in the field of rhetoric and composition.

What are some common challenges Assistant Professors in Rhetoric and Composition face during their first few years, and how can they address them?

New Assistant Professors in Rhetoric and Composition often encounter challenges such as balancing heavy teaching loads with research expectations and service commitments. Navigating institutional requirements for publication and tenure while developing engaging, student-centered curricula can also be demanding. Building networks with colleagues, seeking mentorship, and setting clear boundaries for their time can help address these challenges. Additionally, being proactive about professional development and regularly reflecting on teaching and research priorities are key strategies for early career success.

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

To thrive as an Assistant Professor of Rhetoric and Composition, you typically need a PhD in English, Rhetoric, Composition, or a closely related field, along with a strong record of teaching and research. Familiarity with learning management systems (such as Canvas or Blackboard), digital literacy tools, and experience publishing in scholarly journals are commonly required. Outstanding communication, mentorship, and collaboration skills help foster student engagement and collegiality in academic environments. These skills and qualifications ensure effective teaching, impactful scholarship, and meaningful contributions to departmental and institutional goals.
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Professor Rhetoric Composition jobs in Milwaukee, WI? For Assistant Professor Rhetoric Composition jobs in Milwaukee, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Professor Rhetoric Composition jobs in Milwaukee, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Professor Rhetoric Composition jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:
Music Theory and Composition Assistant Professor

Music Theory and Composition Assistant Professor

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Other

Posted 19 days ago


University Of Wisconsin-Milwaukee rating

4.4

Company rating: 4.4 out of 10

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Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.Position Title:Music Theory and Composition Assistant ProfessorJob Category:FacultyEmployment Type:RegularJob Profile:Assistant ProfessorJob Duties:
The Department of Music is seeking an Artist/Teacher of Music Theory and Composition appointed at the level of Assistant Professor (tenure-track). The successful candidate will join their colleagues in further advancing the reputation of the Composition/Technology and Theory Area; direct the Music Theory program; teach undergraduate and graduate music theory and composition courses including written and aural core theory, counterpoint, orchestration, graduate theory seminar, and other courses as their expertise warrants; and teach composition lessons as part of a studio/instructor rotation. They will contribute significantly to the development of upper-division and graduate-level composition/technology and theory courses.
The candidate will recruit for the Department of Music at the undergraduate and graduate levels and participate in service and faculty governance activities within the University, the College of the Arts and Architecture, the Peck School of the Arts, the Department of Music, and the Composition/Technology and Theory Area.
Specific Tasks and Duties:
  • Teach undergraduate and graduate theory courses and studio composition lessons
  • Maintain an active composition career
  • Serve as the head of the Music Theory program
  • Contribute to the vision and growth of an established Composition and Technology program
  • Participate in the Composition and Technology Area events and operations
  • Serve on University, College of the Arts and Architecture, Peck School of the Arts, and Music Department committees as assigned
  • Engage in recruiting and retention initiatives
  • Engage in professional development activities
  • Participate in faculty meetings, creative/scholarly activities, and service appropriate to a university faculty member
Key Job Responsibilities:Department:
The Peck School of the Arts offers twenty undergraduate and graduate degree programs serving over 1,600 student majors, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive arts schools in the region. Spanning both the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's main campus and Milwaukee's East Side,PSOApresents more than 300 public events each year, and maintains a multitude of creative maker spaces, performance halls, innovative research centers, digital labs, and other facilities critical to the needs of 21st century artistic and performance teachings and practice.
The Peck School of the Arts is in the College of the Arts and Architecture, which enrolls nearly 2,400 students across more than 82 degree, certificate, and minor programs. Faculty expertise spans a wide array of disciplines, including Architecture; Art and Design; Dance; Film, Video, Animation, and New Genres; Music; Theatre; and Urban Planning.
Compensation:

The target hiring range is $60,000 - $65,000. Final salary offer is contingent upon skills, knowledge, and abilities as demonstrated throughout the selection process.

Required Qualifications:
  • Earned Doctorate in Music Composition by date of hire (ABDcandidates with a clear expected date for completion will be considered) or a Master's degree with equivalent professional experience
  • Evidence of experience as a professional composer
  • Evidence of successful music theory and composition teaching
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Doctorate in Music Composition
  • Documented strong background in Music Theory, which may include intensive coursework, teaching experience, scholarship, earned credentials, and other relative experience
  • Documented record of high-quality creative output as a composer
  • Demonstrated record of leadership
  • Evidence of understanding the functional use of technology in the application of composition in multiple styles and mediums
  • Evidence of participation in professional organizations (i.e., conference/festival attendances and presentations, active memberships)
  • Documented record of successful university-level music theory teaching
  • Documented record of successful university-level composition teachin
How to Apply:
Interested candidates must upload the following documents:
  • A cover letter that addresses how their experience meets the qualifications of the position.
  • A Professional Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
  • 1-2 page Teaching Philosophy Statement
  • A document containing the names of three professional references, including contact information (email address, phone number, and mailing address).
  • Recordings (limit of three works, excerpts are acceptable) submitted electronically (online links) of composition performances (of different instrumental/vocal/computer electronic/film types, preferred)
  • Recent musical scores (limit 3)
  • Optional: Scholarly papers or articles in music theory

This is a continuous recruitment with an initial review date of 12/01/2025. To ensure consideration, applications must be submitted by 12/01/2025. Applications submitted after 12/01/2025 may not be reviewed.

In instances where the Search and Screen Committee is unable to ascertain from a candidate's application materials whether they meet any of the qualifications, they will be evaluated as not meeting such qualifications.

Contact Information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Coua Xiong at xion2447@uwm.edu.

Reasonable Accommodations
Pursuant to university policy, UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact uwm-jobs@uwm.edu or 414-229-4463. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.
Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWMis a State agency and subject to Wisconsin's Open Records Law.UWMwill not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin's Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of "final candidates" and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.
CBCand Reference Check Policy
Employment will require a criminal background check.UWMtakes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For theUWMAnnual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, seehttp://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/, or call UWM's Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at (414) 229-4632 for a paper copy.
Employment Authorization
In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.


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