SAN DIEGO, March 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The management of financial affairs is an essential skill for Americans planning for their future, and the demand for professionals who are equipped to offer expert financial guidance is growing accordingly. To prepare students to meet this demand, Ashford University has created its newest degree, the Bachelor of Arts in Consumer & Family Financial Services.

Ashford University, an academic institution owned by Bridgepoint Education (NYSE: BPI), has built its reputation delivering education that is aligned with modern trends, and the BA in Consumer & Family Financial Services is no exception. This degree is expressly focused to educate students about the fiscal requirements of individuals and their family unit, and how to address the needs of people instead of seeing only the macroeconomic landscape. The coursework is buttressed by mainstream business curriculum, educating students in the basics of corporate thinking and practice.

"Ashford University's BA in Consumer & Family Financial Services prepares students to pursue careers in the financial industry, specifically those seeking to provide personal consultations for sustained portfolio growth into retirement and toward abundant personal wealth," stated Dr. Steve McQueen, council chair of the Economics and Statistical Analysis Program at Ashford's College of Business and Professional Studies.

As documented by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm), "Employment of personal financial advisors is expected to grow much faster than the average...by 30 percent over the 2008-18 period. As more members of the large baby boom generation reach their peak years of retirement savings, personal investments are expected to increase and more people will seek the help of experts. Many companies also have replaced traditional pension plans with retirement savings programs, so more individuals are managing their own retirements than in the past, creating jobs for advisors."

Successful graduates can look forward to a variety of employment opportunities. The Consumer & Family Financial Services degree can serve as a door to careers in credit and risk management, financial planning and services, plus insurance and security sales. Further certification or licensing may be required to obtain employment, and this degree does not guarantee licensure or certification of any kind. Ashford's Bachelor of Arts in Consumer & Family Financial Services is currently available online.

About Bridgepoint Education

Bridgepoint Education's postsecondary education services focus on offering associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs in such disciplines as 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, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.668.2580.

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, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.

SOURCE Bridgepoint Education Inc.