SAN DIEGO, March 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Reflecting modern trends in social and business marketing, Ashford University has developed a Bachelor of Arts in eMarketing, and will be offering it to students at their Clinton, Iowa campus, as well as online.

Ashford University, an academic institution of Bridgepoint Education (NYSE: BPI), designed its eMarketing BA to deliver an all-inclusive education of essential promotional knowledge and practices. Pivotal to this degree's effectiveness is its balance of new and old, combining the study of web-age media and social marketing with mainstream thinking and strategies. With this bachelor's degree, aspiring public relations, advertising and communications professionals can invest themselves in an education specifically designed to support a digitally-enabled career.

"Ashford University's BA in eMarketing provides an education in marketing theory and practice while incorporating emerging social media marketing strategies," said Dr. Michael Reilly, executive dean of Ashford's College of Business and Professional Studies. "At the degree's core is a strong foundation of general business courses, ensuring students are prepared to support the marking demands of a variety of organizations."

Figures produced by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm) suggest that jobs with alternative promotional and e-marketing employers will grow at a better than average rate through 2018. This growth should encompass companies dealing in advertising, marketing, website creation and administration, public relations, politics and the media.

As the age of digital inclusivity continues to change the processes involved in selling concepts and products, education in relevant web and social-based media will grow more and more valuable. Ashford graduates with a degree in eMarketing should be well-equipped to regard marketing plans and practices with a learned eye, and apply a modern understanding of alternative digital and media-powered promotion to the business of marketing.

Ashford's Bachelor of Arts in eMarketing does not lead to licensure or certification of any kind.

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.

Contact: Shari Rodriguez, Associate Vice President of Public Relations

858.668.2580 - shari.rodriguez@bridgepointeducation.com

SOURCE Bridgepoint Education Inc.