Bridgepoint Education's Ashford University Announces Two New Undergraduate Degrees

Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE:BPI), a leading provider of  postsecondary education services, announced today that Ashford University will offer two new bachelor’s degree programs -- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government and Bachelor of Arts in Business Information Systems -- beginning May 15, 2009.

Based in Clinton, Iowa, Ashford University provides online and on-campus undergraduate and graduate degree programs to students throughout the U.S. and around the globe. 

“These programs, in addition to the other new programs we have introduced in 2009, demonstrate our continued commitment to providing high-quality, innovative, and easily accessible academic options for Ashford University students,” said Jane McAuliffe, chief academic officer of Bridgepoint Education. 

“Education is an asset; something that can enrich our lives on a personal and professional level. Bachelor’s degree programs in such fields as Political Science and Government and Business Information Systems are relevant to the practices, theories and skill sets of today’s workplace.  We believe that by offering such programs to our students, we play an important part in their future success,” McAuliffe added.

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government degree program was designed to academically prepare students for work in government, public policy and the social science arenas.

The Bachelor of Arts in Business Information Systems degree program was designed to enhance students’ understanding of current technological processes and corresponding business information systems.  Students who pursue their bachelor’s degree in Business Information Systems will be academically prepared for careers in related fields.

Both new programs have been approved by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools as postsecondary academic degree programs. They do not include any additional professional licensures or certifications.  Students seeking licensure or certification should consult the appropriate corresponding entities.

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, respectively. For more information, please visit www.bridgepointeducation.com.

About Ashford University
Founded in 1918, Ashford University is a coeducational higher education institution regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, with programs in education, business, accounting, criminal and social justice, computer animation and graphic design, and other areas.  The University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as a range of student activities and athletics, at its Clinton, Iowa, campus.  Online degree programs are available in education, organizational management, business administration, and psychology. The University offers high quality yet highly affordable on-campus and online programs, with tuition fees among the lowest in the U.S. compared with other private institutions.  Its tagline is: “Higher Education Made Affordable”SM.  For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu.