Bridgepoint Education's Ashford University Introduces New Bachelor of Arts in Supply Chain Management and Bachelor of Arts in Project Management

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 a new Bachelor of Arts degree in Supply Chain Management and a new Bachelor of Arts degree in Project Management. The latest additions to Ashford's degree offerings were designed to give students a broad understanding of business as a whole, while building expertise in two in-demand focus areas.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected demand for supply chain/logistics managers will increase much faster than the national job average due to the complex nature of managing supplies, inventory, costs and resources. Ashford's Supply Chain Management program will prepare students to pursue positions such as Inventory Planning Analyst, Production Scheduler, Materials Planner, Production Planner, Operations Manager, Transportation Manager, Purchasing Manager, Materials Manager, Warehouse Operations Manager and Logistics Manager.

"Ashford University's B.A. in Supply Chain Management combines the optimum blend of theory and professional practice for anyone seeking a career in the distribution of products, services and materials," said Dr. Michael Reilly, program director of the Ashford University College of Business and Professional Studies. "It's designed for anyone with an interest in supply chain management, transportation management or warehouse management."

A Bachelor of Arts degree in Project Management from Ashford will prepare students for hundreds of potential career opportunities in a rapidly expanding field. Some potential career paths for graduates include Project Manager, Project Leader, Corporate Projects Manager, Project Analyst, Cost Estimator, Quality Assurance Specialist, Construction Scheduler and Business Analyst.

"Ashford University's B.A. in Project Management prepares future project managers with team leadership skills and the key quantitative and qualitative analytical skills that are so important to the successful completion of any project," said Dr. Charles Minnick, dean of the Ashford University College of Business and Professional Studies. "While our Project Management degree program combines business theory and professional practice, it also prepares students to work with the people carrying out the project tasks. This combination is essential to organizational and project success."

The Project Management Institute estimates that the number of project-oriented jobs will grow by 8.2 million by the year 2016. Project managers are responsible for overseeing all elements of projects, from leading workers to maintaining workflow. They need to be highly trained problem solvers, logical thinkers and sophisticated analysts. The curriculum for the Ashford Project Management degree focuses on these crucial skills.

Ashford University's Bachelor of Arts in Supply Chain Management and Bachelor of Arts in Project Management are currently available online only. They 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 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, director of Public Relations at 858.668.2580.