Bridgepoint Education's Ashford University Introduces New Bachelor of Arts Degree in Instructional Design

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 Bachelor of Arts degree in Instructional Design. The new degree program was created to prepare students for the demands of education in an e-learning environment.

E-learning is increasing in popularity across all industries. The percentage of college courses offered online or in an online/face-to-face hybrid continues to climb at a significant rate. According to the Sloan Consortium, the number of students nationwide taking at least one online course jumped from 1.6 million to 3.9 million between 2002 and 2007. Primary education is also changing rapidly as school districts and states are recognizing the need to provide students with more flexibility in their learning environment. For example, the state of Florida recently mandated that all school districts must provide some type of online leaning option for their students. Virtual high schools are becoming increasingly popular as students are no longer being limited by attendance zones and seat time requirements.

"The College of Education at Ashford University is pleased to expand our program offerings to include programs that will prepare our students to address e-learning in the 21st century," said Dr. Joen Rottler, dean of Ashford's College of Education. "This B.A. program will support the preparation of professionals in fields such as learning and development, training, human resources and curriculum development. It is a timely expansion opportunity for our college."

Ashford's Bachelor of Arts in Instructional Design is intended for students who have backgrounds and interests in education, technology for learning, text book design, curriculum development and electronic learning. Students who graduate with a B.A. in Instructional Design may pursue careers in teaching, curriculum development, instructional design, course editing, desktop publishing, web design, multimedia, learning and technology, training, human resources, text book development, project management for e-learning, marketing, instructional material development and consulting.

Ashford University's Bachelor of Arts in Instructional Design is currently available online only. This degree 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.