About Amherst College
Amherst College, founded in 1821, is a prestigious private liberal arts college located in Amherst, Massachusetts, United States. It is renowned for its open curriculum, which allows students to design their own academic paths without distribution requirements, fostering intellectual freedom and interdisciplinary exploration. As a member of the Five College Consortium, which includes Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, it provides access to a vast array of courses and resources across institutions. Amherst College has a rich history of promoting diversity and inclusion, with a commitment to need-blind admissions and meeting full demonstrated financial need for all students. Key achievements include producing numerous Rhodes Scholars, Pulitzer Prize winners, and leaders in various fields. The college's campus spans 1,000 acres, featuring historic buildings and modern facilities like the Mead Art Museum and the Beneski Museum of Natural History. For more details, visit the Amherst College Website. Explore academic opportunities in related locations such as Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Massachusetts, and Academic Jobs in Amherst.
Amherst College emphasizes undergraduate research and close faculty-student collaboration, with a student-faculty ratio of about 7:1. Its mission is to educate students to think critically and engage with the world responsibly. The college has been at the forefront of progressive education, becoming coeducational in 1975 and continuously evolving to address contemporary issues like sustainability and global awareness. Notable alumni include former U.S. President Calvin Coolidge, author David Foster Wallace, and Nobel laureate economist Joseph Stiglitz. For academics interested in higher education jobs at Amherst College, the institution offers a vibrant community focused on excellence in teaching and scholarship. Students and professionals can discover professor ratings through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com, helping to identify top educators and enhance academic experiences.
The college's key departments include Biology, English, Economics, History, and Physics, among others, with strengths in liberal arts education. Amherst College is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, with initiatives supporting underrepresented groups in academia. Its location in the Pioneer Valley provides a picturesque setting with access to cultural and recreational activities. For those exploring academic careers at Amherst College, the institution's emphasis on work-life balance and professional development makes it an attractive employer. Learn more about salaries in Amherst College academia and faculty jobs at Amherst College through resources on AcademicJobs.com.
Amherst College continues to innovate in higher education, with programs like the Center for Community Engagement and the Loeb Center for Career Exploration and Planning. These resources support both faculty and students in their professional journeys. Whether you're a job seeker looking for lecturer roles at Amherst College or a student rating professors, Amherst College offers unparalleled opportunities for growth and impact.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Amherst College
💼 Faculty job opportunities at Amherst College are abundant, particularly in high-demand areas such as the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. As a leading liberal arts institution, Amherst College frequently seeks Assistant Professors, Lecturers, and Research Fellows in departments like Biology, Economics, and English. Recent job trends for 2025 indicate a growing emphasis on interdisciplinary roles, with positions in environmental studies and data science gaining traction due to the college's commitment to addressing global challenges. For instance, professor positions at Amherst College often involve teaching small seminar-style classes and mentoring undergraduate research projects. Salary ranges, based on 2025 data from sources like the Chronicle of Higher Education and AAUP reports, typically start at $85,000-$100,000 for Assistant Professors, rising to $110,000-$140,000 for Associate Professors, and $140,000+ for Full Professors, influenced by department and experience. These figures are competitive for liberal arts colleges, factoring in Massachusetts' cost of living. Explore higher education jobs at Amherst College through AcademicJobs.com's filtered search, and check out Higher Ed Jobs for current listings.
In the Department of History, Amherst College has been hiring for roles focused on global histories, reflecting trends toward diverse curricula. Similarly, the Sciences division seeks experts in neuroscience and climate science, with opportunities for grant-funded research. Lecturer roles at Amherst College provide flexibility for those balancing teaching and scholarship, often with salaries around $70,000-$90,000. Job seekers interested in research jobs at Amherst College can benefit from the college's partnerships in the Five College Consortium, expanding access to facilities and collaborations. Academic careers at Amherst College are appealing due to the emphasis on tenure-track positions with strong support for professional development. For those in Massachusetts, compare with Academic Jobs in Massachusetts. To apply, visit Faculty Jobs at Amherst College on AcademicJobs.com.
Trends for 2025 show an increase in positions related to digital humanities and inclusive pedagogy, aligning with Amherst's mission. Faculty enjoy benefits like sabbaticals and research funding, making it ideal for long-term careers. Rate professors at Amherst College via Rate My Professor to gain insights into department cultures. Whether you're eyeing adjunct professor jobs or full-time roles, Amherst College offers a dynamic environment. Discover more about academic opportunities and salaries in Amherst College academia through our resources.
Assistant Professor in Biology
Focus on molecular biology with research opportunities. Salary: $85k-$100k.
Lecturer in Economics
Teach undergraduate courses in macroeconomics. Salary: $70k-$90k.
Research Fellow in History
Collaborate on archival projects. Salary: $60k-$80k.
Associate Professor in English
Specialize in American literature. Salary: $110k-$140k.
Why Work at Amherst College
Working at Amherst College offers unparalleled benefits for academics, including a collaborative environment, generous research support, and a focus on work-life balance. Faculty appreciate the open curriculum, which encourages innovative teaching, and access to the Five College Consortium for expanded resources. Unique perks include comprehensive health benefits, tuition assistance for dependents, and sabbatical opportunities. Research from 2025 highlights Amherst's high faculty satisfaction rates, with strengths in interdisciplinary collaboration and student engagement. Academic careers at Amherst College provide stability and growth, making it a top choice for professor positions. Explore opportunities at Higher Ed Jobs and rate professors via Rate My Professor.
The college's commitment to diversity and inclusion fosters a welcoming community, with programs supporting underrepresented faculty. Career prospects are strong, with many advancing to leadership roles. Compared to other institutions, Amherst offers competitive salaries in Amherst College academia and a low student-faculty ratio for meaningful interactions. For those in Academic Jobs in Amherst, the location provides a vibrant cultural scene.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Amherst College
📊 The salary guide for faculty at Amherst College reflects its status as a top liberal arts college, with competitive compensation influenced by rank, department, experience, and location in Massachusetts. Based on 2025 data from AAUP surveys and institutional reports, average salaries are as follows: Assistant Professors earn $85,000-$100,000 annually, often starting higher in STEM fields like Physics or Biology due to market demands. Associate Professors typically range from $110,000-$140,000, with bonuses for research grants. Full Professors can expect $140,000-$200,000+, particularly in high-profile departments like Economics or History. Factors affecting pay include tenure status, publication record, and administrative duties. In comparison to national averages, Amherst salaries are above the median for liberal arts colleges, adjusted for the higher cost of living in Amherst. Additional perks like housing allowances and retirement contributions enhance total compensation. For detailed comparisons, visit Professor Salaries on AcademicJobs.com. Salaries in Amherst College academia also vary by department; for example, humanities roles may start lower but offer more flexibility, while sciences command premiums due to grant funding.
Recent trends show a 3-5% annual increase in faculty salaries at Amherst College, driven by endowment growth and retention efforts. Entry-level positions for lecturers or adjuncts range from $60,000-$80,000, with opportunities for advancement. Location plays a role, as Massachusetts offers tax benefits and proximity to Boston's academic hub. Job seekers should consider negotiation factors like startup funds for research. Explore faculty salaries at Amherst College compared to peers via University Salaries. This guide helps academics plan careers, ensuring transparency in higher education jobs at Amherst College.
To maximize earnings, faculty are encouraged to pursue external grants, with Amherst providing robust support through its Office of Sponsored Programs. Overall, salaries support a high quality of life, making Amherst an attractive destination for academic opportunities.
| Rank | Average Salary | Department Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $85k-$100k | Biology, English |
| Associate Professor | $110k-$140k | Economics, History |
| Full Professor | $140k-$200k | Physics, Political Science |
| Lecturer | $60k-$80k | Humanities, Social Sciences |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Amherst College
⭐ Discover top educators at Amherst College through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com, where student ratings highlight excellence in teaching and mentorship. This platform helps in choosing courses and recognizing outstanding faculty, with insights tied to programs like humanities and sciences. Rate professors at Amherst College to contribute to the community and guide future students.
Ilan Stavans (Literature)
Rating: 4.8/5 - Praised for engaging lectures on Latin American literature.
Austin Sarat (Law & Jurisprudence)
Rating: 4.7/5 - Known for thought-provoking discussions on legal theory.
Catherine Sanderson (Psychology)
Rating: 4.9/5 - Excellent in positive psychology and student engagement.
David Hanneke (Physics)
Rating: 4.6/5 - Innovative teaching in quantum mechanics.
Martha Umphrey (American Studies)
Rating: 4.8/5 - Insightful on cultural history.
Leah Schmalzbauer (Sociology)
Rating: 4.7/5 - Focuses on immigration and social justice.
Career Progression at Amherst College
Career progression at Amherst College follows a structured path, starting from Assistant Professor to tenure as Associate and Full Professor. With a focus on research funding and teaching excellence, faculty can access grants from sources like the National Science Foundation. Professional development includes workshops and sabbaticals. Learn more at Higher Ed Career Advice. Salaries increase with rank, as detailed in our guide.
University-specific factors include mentorship programs and consortium collaborations, enhancing career opportunities. Explore paths via Professor Jobs.
Research and Innovation at Amherst College
🔬 Research at Amherst College emphasizes undergraduate involvement in areas like neuroscience, environmental science, and cultural studies. Major centers include the Center for Humanistic Inquiry. Trends for 2025 focus on sustainability and AI ethics. Explore Research Jobs.
Funding comes from endowments and external grants, supporting collaborations. Faculty lead innovative projects, contributing to global knowledge.
Resources for Amherst College Academics
- 🎓 Professional development workshops through the Center for Teaching and Learning.
- 💼 Faculty unions and benefits including health insurance and retirement plans.
- 📍 Location-specific resources like housing support in Amherst.
- Access to Five College libraries and research facilities.
Student Life and Perspectives at Amherst College
Student life at Amherst College is vibrant, with over 150 clubs and a focus on community engagement. Programs in liberal arts lead to strong career outcomes in fields like finance and academia. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection. Resources include the Loeb Center for internships.
Perspectives highlight the open curriculum's flexibility, aiding in personalized education.
