Assistant Professor of Music Theory

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Music Theory.

Location Hattiesburg
118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi,
United States

Division School of Music

Position Type Faculty

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded No

Pay Grade:
Generic Grade

Posting Close Date December 1, 2026

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary The School of Music at the University of Southern Mississippi is now accepting applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Music Theory
. Area of specialization is open. This nine-month, tenure-track position will begin in August 2027. The University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a public Carnegie R1 research university with its main campus in Hattiesburg and a coastal campus in Long Beach. It has been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music since 1938. The School of Music offers the B.A., B.M., and B.M.Ed.

degrees, the M.M. and M.M.E., and the D.M.A. in performance and pedagogy and in conducting. Students perform in ensembles that include the USM Symphony Orchestra, the Wind Ensemble, the Southern Chorale, the Southern Opera and Musical Theatre Company, and The Pride of Mississippi Marching Band. More than 40 full-time faculty perform, present, and publish nationally and internationally and bring that work into the studio and classroom.

The School enrolls students from a wide range of backgrounds, from across Mississippi and around the world. For full consideration, applications must be submitted by November 16, 2026
. Questions may be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Joseph

E. Jones (joseph.e.jones).
Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Teaching expectations – Music theory faculty typically teach six courses per year, three per semester, and serve on graduate student committees. The School offers courses ranging from undergraduate theory and ear training to graduate-level seminars.
• Research expectations – Faculty develop a clear research agenda with a growing record of peer-reviewed conference presentations and publications.
• Service expectations – Faculty engage in service activities within the School of Music, particularly graduate project advising, and across the university. Faculty are also encouraged to serve or otherwise participate in their professional organizations.

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. in music theory by the time of appointment

University teaching experience as instructor of record
Evidence of (or potential for) scholarly achievement in the field of music theory

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Familiarity with (or ability to learn) Canvas, the university’s online learning management systems (LMS).
• Familiarity with (or ability to learn) Microsoft Office, including Outlook and Teams.
• Familiarity with university-level recruitment and/or retention strategies.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience mentoring or advising graduate student research
Experience teaching undergraduate music theory and ear training sequences
Experience teaching graduate-level courses

About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Weare a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one ofthe nation's leading research institutions.
Southern Miss is known for pioneering work inpolymer science, ocean science,…