Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE: BPI), a provider of post-secondary education services focused on providing higher access to higher education, announced today that Ashford University has introduced two new 12-credit specializations: childhood development and special education. These specializations are available to online students working towards their Master's Degree in Education.

Ashford's specialization in childhood development will help students understand how to measure and support the development of children, both in and out of the classroom.

"The natural milestones of child development are included in this specialization and are presented to the learner in the context of today's world. This specialization provides knowledge of the impact of diversity on child development, as well as the critical need for assessment and intervention to support development," said Joen Rottler, dean of Ashford University's College of Education.

The specialization in special education was created to address the needs of an increasingly diverse student population, including many students identified with special education needs. Additional training and support through this specialization will help prepare general education teachers to meet the needs of all children in their classrooms, including students in special education.

"The special education specialization provides a sound foundation of knowledge in core special education areas. In addition to the general topics of the exceptional child and mild and moderate disabilities, extremely timely topics such as behavior management and transition are included," said Rottler.

The specializations in childhood development and special education are currently available online at Ashford University. These specializations do not include any additional professional licensures or certifications.

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable online and on-campus programs. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, director of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.

About Bridgepoint Education

Bridgepoint Education's postsecondary education services focus on offering associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs in the disciplines of business, education, psychology, social sciences and health sciences. Bridgepoint Education's regionally accredited academic institutions - Ashford University and University of the Rockies - deliver their programs online as well as at traditional campuses located in Clinton, Iowa, and Colorado Springs, Colorado. For more information about Bridgepoint Education, visit www.bridgepointeducation.com or call Shari Rodriguez, director of Public Relations at 858.668.2580.