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 Service Management. The Bachelor of Arts in Service Management degree program, which includes four new specializations, is one of only two such programs offered in the United States and is the only one offered completely online.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 82 percent of the working population in the United States is employed in the service sector. The demand for service industry managerial jobs is high and candidates in the service management field will need to be prepared for a fast-changing business environment. Ashford's Bachelor of Arts degree in Service Management was created to prepare students for success as administrators, managers and executives. Career options for graduates of this program include Customer Service Manager, Operations Manager, Restaurant Manager, Hotel Manager, Human Resources Manager, Services Quality Manager, Customer Relationship Manager, Retail Store Manager and Non-Profit Organization Executive Director.

"Ashford University's Bachelor of Arts in Service Management degree perfectly aligns the essential educational elements of service to the entire business enterprise," said Dr. Charles Minnick, dean of the Ashford University College of Business and Professional Studies. "The business core is supported by a strong foundation of arts and sciences facilitating development of a broad set of critical skills for working in the modern multicultural service workplace."

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Service Management will choose from one of four specializations within the major: Non-Profit, Hospitality, Restaurant Enterprise Management and Mass-Market Retail Enterprise Management. The specializations will help students to narrow their focus in the broad area of service management.

Currently, Ashford University's Bachelor of Arts in Service Management is open to online students only. To find out more or to apply, please visit www.ashford.edu.

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