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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.

Canine Assisted Trauma-Informed Services Specialist (CATISS) Certificate

Transform Your Practice with the Power of Canine-Assisted Support

Barry University’s Canine Assisted Trauma-Informed Services Specialist (CATISS) certificate program equips professionals to integrate canine-assisted interventions into trauma-informed care. This immersive, 12-week training course is led by industry experts and focuses on building effective, ethical handler-canine teams through a lens of cultural humility and sensitivity.

Program Highlights

instructor

70 hours of instruction

person desk

11 weeks of live online sessions

person-arrow-star

A hands-on capstone weekend experience

hand-people

Small cohort size

  • instructor

    70 hours of instruction

  • person desk

    11 weeks of live online sessions

  • person-arrow-star

    A hands-on capstone weekend experience

  • hand-people

    Small cohort size

Our program is built on four essential pillars that collectively establish a comprehensive framework for effective canine-assisted trauma-informed services:

  • person arrows

    Integrated Handler-Canine Relationship

    The bond between handler and canine is foundational to effective services. Participants learn to recognize the nuances of non-verbal communication, empathy, and trust that characterize successful partnerships, enhancing the healing process for those experiencing trauma.

  • person-arrow-star

    Canine Health and Wellbeing

    A healthy, well-cared-for canine is essential for effective engagement with clients. This pillar underscores the ethical responsibility of handlers to prioritize the physical and mental health of their animal partners, ensuring they are willing participants in the healing process.

  • Barry-shield

    Trauma-Informed Principles

    Understanding trauma and its effects is crucial when incorporating animal-assisted approaches. This pillar emphasizes principles that promote safe and supportive environments, preparing participants to recognize and respond sensitively to the needs of clients who have experienced trauma.

  • teamwork

    Cultural Humility Integration

    Cultural humility is vital in diverse communities. This pillar encourages participants to recognize their own cultural biases and engage in lifelong learning about clients' cultural backgrounds, fostering an environment of respect, inclusivity, and understanding.

Canine Service Dog
Canine Service Dog

Who Should Participate?

This program is ideal for professionals with a bachelor's degree or higher in:

  • Social Work
  • Counseling
  • Behavioral/Mental Health
  • Public Safety
  • Healthcare
  • Related Fields

Canine Participation Requirements

To participate with a canine partner, your dog must meet the following requirements:

  • Be at least 1 year old
  • Have proof of Canine Good Citizen (CGC) or equivalent training
  • Be up to date on vaccinations
  • Demonstrate a calm, therapeutic temperament

Don’t have a canine partner? No problem. You can still enroll to build your foundational knowledge while preparing or identifying the appropriate canine partner.

Tuition & Materials

  • Program Tuition: $3,500
  • Required Textbooks:
    • Fine, A. (2024). Handbook on animal-assisted therapy (6th ed.)
    • Hoy-Gerlach, J., & Wehman, S. (2017). Human-animal interaction: A social work guide
  • Additional Materials: CATISS handler shirt, canine identification tag, and program materials included in tuition

Curriculum Highlights

Our comprehensive curriculum meets international standards and covers these essential topics:

Module

Content Focus

Module One

Weeks 1-2

Online – Synchronous Session

Overview and Introduction to the Human-Animal Bond and Animal-Assisted Interventions/Services

Module Two

Weeks 3-6

Online- Synchronous Session

Canine Partnership Preparation and Welfare - Fit for Duty

Module Three

Weeks 7-9

Online- Synchronous Session

Canine Partnership (Keeping and Training/Handling Skills)

Module Four

Week 10

Online- Synchronous Session

Special Populations and Programs - Healing implications with vulnerable populations with emphasis on Trauma Informed Care

Module Five

Weeks 11 - 12

Week 11: Online- Synchronous Session

Week 12: In-person at Barry University Main Campus

Considerations and application of Canine Assistance into professional practice

Each module includes a balance of:

  • Expert-led instruction
  • Hands-on practice with your canine partner
  • Critical reflection and ethical considerations
  • Practical application to your specific professional context

Program Details

Schedule

  • Duration: 12 weeks
  • Online Sessions: Wednesdays, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
  • Capstone Weekend: Friday (12:00pm - 6:00pm) and Saturday (9:00am - 5:00pm) of Week 12
  • Fall 2025 Cohort Start Date: September 17, 2025

Application Process

Applications for our Fall 2025 cohort are now being accepted. Space is limited to ensure personalized attention.

  1. Complete the online application form
  2. Submit documentation of your educational background
  3. Provide proof of canine vaccinations and training certificates
  4. If accepted, submit tuition payment to secure your place
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11300 NE 2nd Avenue
Miami Shores, FL 33161-6695

305-899-3000

University Non-Discrimination Statement

Barry University does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, familial status, marital status, pregnancy, age, disability status or veteran status. This policy applies to students, employees, applicants and trustees with respect to participation in any program, benefit, activity or student/employment opportunity offered by the University. Every member of the University community is expected to uphold this policy as a matter of mutual respect and fundamental fairness in human relations. Every student of this institution has a responsibility to conduct himself/herself in accordance with this policy as a condition of enrollment. Further, every University employee has an obligation to observe Barry University policies and implementation of federal and state law as a term of employment. No person shall be retaliated against for reporting violations or concerns about prohibited discrimination or bias through appropriate University channels.

Barry University’s EASE Grant Performance Measures on Access Rate, Affordability Rate, Graduation Rate, Retention Rate and Postgraduate Employment Rate are specifically listed on the ICUF Dashboard at this link: icuf.org/dashboard.

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