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With our Catholic liberal arts heritage and over 100 degree programs, including nursing and marine biology, from bachelors through PhDs, we've got your options covered. Focus on arts and sciences, business, education, social work, communication, nursing, medical sciences, theology, or law. Take things further with personalized research and experiential learning opportunities, on and off-campus. Enhance your prospects with hands-on internships at some of the country's top organizations.

Colleges and Schools

Academic Support

Barry University Students

The Career and Experiential Learning Team educates students and alumni on the essential job searching and life skills to propel them to succeed in the increasingly competitive global marketplace.

Service-learning integrates relevant community service with course work and critical reflection to enrich the learning experience, foster social responsibility and civic engagement, and strengthen communities.

Service-Learning

The Honors Program at Barry is designed to challenge, enrich, and prepare especially motivated students to pursue their fullest potential. By participating in a rigorous curriculum rounded out by an array of edifying and interactive events, students explore crucial issues that we face in our daily lives. Students are given the space for discussion and debate and the opportunity to learn from experts in their fields. The Office of Financial Aid can assist with determining eligibility for the Honors Program.

The Monsignor William Barry Memorial Library is located in the center of the beautiful Miami Shores campus of Barry University. The Library is named in loving memory of Monsignor William Barry, one of the founders of Barry University and an inspirational figure in the Catholic Church within the Archdiocese of Miami. The extensive Library research collections include more than 950,000 physical items, over 40,000 print and on-line journal subscriptions, and several thousand on-line books and streaming video resources.

At Barry University, you will experience a small community atmosphere where you can always rely on our administrators and faculty for advice, encouragement and personal attention. We take great pride in giving individual attention from the very beginning. You can start building a personal relationship with one of our admissions counselors who will help answer any questions, and guide you through the entire admissions and enrollment process.

Bucky and student at Open House

Continuing Education (CE) offers a variety of courses and non-credit programs designed to respond to the diverse educational interests and lifelong learning needs of individuals of all ages. We offer certificate, credential exam preparation, and licensure programs for professional and personal enrichment.

High school students: Get a jump-start on your college education with dual enrollment courses from Barry University! You can earn high school and college credit at the same time, right at your own school.

Dual Enrollment

Barry University is committed to provide you with a dynamic and flexible approach to your degree pathway through our online courses and degree programs. We understand that balancing academics, work, and personal commitments can be challenging. That's why our online offerings are designed to fit seamlessly into your busy schedule, allowing you to pursue your educational goals without compromising on other important aspects of your life.

Distance Education

We are committed to providing programs and services that are guided by Barry University's rich educational mission and intended to enhance your Barry experience. Through partnerships with others in the university community, we aim to create experiences that will help transform you into leaders for a just and humane world.

Portrait of students at event on campus

We are an NCAA Division II school and a member of the Sunshine State Conference with 12 varsity teams, including men's baseball, basketball, golf, soccer and tennis; and women's basketball, golf, rowing, soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball. So far, we've won 24 NCAA championships, had 338 All-Americans, 413 Scholar All-Americans, and nine NCAA "Women of the Year" finalists, the most of any Division II school. Not bad at all, but we're going for more.

Campus Life

For students currently enrolled in classes at Barry, we have a wealth of resources you can tap into to bring ease and efficiency to your university experience. Get the help you need with administrative or financial questions, or check out course catalogs to help plan your schedule by semester. All the information you need to excel is at your fingertips.

Mahala Saunders, PhD, APRN, NNP-BC

Assistant Professor of Nursing

Mahala Saunders, PhD, APRN, NNP-BC

Mahala Saunders, PhD, APRN, NNP-BC Assistant Professor of Nursing

msaunders@barry.edu

Education

PhD in Nursing, Barry University
MS in Nursing, Pennsylvania State University
Post-Master’s, University of Florida
BSN, Barry University
Associate of Nursing, University of the Bahamas

Biography

Dr. Mahala Saunders is a PhD-prepared educator and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner with over three decades of clinical expertise. A proud alumna of Barry University, she translates years of clinical experience into a rigorous academic environment. Dr. Saunders integrates her deep expertise in high-risk neonatal care with a passion for nursing education and research. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in transformative mentorship and the development of clinical intuition, fostering both technical proficiency and compassionate leadership.

Her doctoral research, which addresses critical gaps in neonatal transitions and discharge readiness, has been disseminated through international platforms, including the Council of International Neonatal Nurses (COINN) and the Florida Nursing Association (FNA). Beyond her research, she serves as a peer reviewer for clinical journals and a faculty advisor for on-campus student organizations. A respected voice in professional governance, Dr. Saunders serves as a Counselor for the Sigma Theta Tau (Lambda Chi Chapter), International Honor Society of Nursing.

Dr. Saunders holds a PhD in Nursing Education from Barry University, a Master of Science in Nursing from Pennsylvania State University, a Post-Master’s from the University of Florida, Bachelor of Science from Barry University, and an Associate of Nursing from the University of the Bahamas. She is an active participant in faculty committees, supporting curriculum development and student-centered policy initiatives. Through memberships in ANA, FNA, NANN, and COINN, she contributes to the standard of care in advanced practice.

At Barry University, Dr. Saunders is dedicated to fostering a learning environment where academic excellence meets social responsibility. By utilizing a transformative mentoring approach, she empowers her students to look beyond clinical protocols to see the human and systemic elements of healthcare.

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