Dr. Micheal Shier

Professor

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Biography

Micheal Shier is a Full Professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto, where he has been a faculty member since 2014. He holds a PhD in Social Welfare from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Shier's research interests center around optimizing social service delivery and improving outcomes for vulnerable social groups, with a focus on nonprofit leadership and community economic development. His current funded research aims to develop socially innovative strategies for nonprofit organizations that promote equitable and inclusive environments. He also investigates the mechanisms that drive social-purpose activities within both nonprofit and for-profit sectors in Canada. In addition to his academic work, Dr. Shier has received several research awards, including the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Research and Innovation Early Researcher Award, and he is appointed as a Canada Research Chair in Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship in Human Services. He has served in various academic leadership roles, including Associate Dean (Academic) and MSW Program Director. Dr. Shier is also active in media, available for interviews in television, radio, and print.

Research Interests

Social Innovation Social Entrepreneurship Human Services Organizational Development Equity and Inclusion Workplace Health and Safety Trauma-Informed Organizational Environments

Experience

Full Professor

2014-07-01 — Present

University of Toronto, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work • Toronto, Canada

Research and teach in the area of social work, focusing on social innovation and nonprofit leadership.

Associate Dean, Academic

2025-07-01 — Present

University of Toronto, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work • Toronto, Canada

Oversee academic programs and initiatives within the faculty.

Canada Research Chair

2022-01-01 — Present

University of Toronto, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work • Toronto, Canada

Lead research initiatives focused on social entrepreneurship and innovation in human services.

MSW Program Director

2021-07-01 — 2025-06-30

University of Toronto, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work • Toronto, Canada

Direct the Master of Social Work program, focusing on curriculum development and student support.

Associate Professor (Tenured)

2019-07-01 — 2024-06-30

University of Toronto, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work • Toronto, Canada

Teach and conduct research within the faculty.

Assistant Professor

2014-07-01 — 2019-06-30

University of Toronto, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work • Toronto, Canada

Engage in teaching and research in social work.

Requirements for University of Toronto

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:22
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:93
Prerequisites
Appropriate four-year bachelor's degree Background in sociological theory and statistics preferred
Application Checklist
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of reference
  • Statement of intent
  • Writing sample
  • Curriculum Vitae
Specialization Notes

Department of Sociology