Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies Introduced by Bridgepoint Education's Ashford University

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 22, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE: BPI), a provider of postsecondary education services focused on providing higher access to higher education, has announced a new Ashford University degree program. The Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies is designed for those individuals planning a career in the modern classroom.

Ashford's new BA in Education Studies is a hybrid degree, combining core classroom teaching necessities with the evolving requirements of digital and distance learning. This program offers aspiring instructors preparation for a broad spectrum of school environments; both modern and traditional styles of education are included. The balance of teaching technique and instructional technology in the Education Studies BA can provide an ideal foundation for post-baccalaureate teaching degrees, and support many careers working with students and America's youth.

"Ashford's Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies provides students with the essentials of traditional teaching, including topics like Educational Psychology and The History of Education. The degree is enhanced with courses designed to meet the needs of 21st century students, such as Educational Technology and Instructional Design," commented Ashford University's College of Education Program Director Rebecca Wardlow.

"The flexibility to add a specialization chosen from five different areas will provide students with unique educational expertise," furthered Wardlow. "Children who have been raised in a digital world will require teachers who understand the overlap of technology and education. The BA in Educational Studies can provide that."

The specialization available within the Education Studies degree allows undergraduates to focus their course load, which can enable the program to suit each student's intended field. Educational specializations that may be applied include Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Instructional Design, English Language Learners, and Education & Public Policy. This selective orientation can support many careers in education, as well as administration, student services, childcare, health and mental care, plus career and social counseling.

Ashford University's Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies is currently available online. 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.

SOURCE Bridgepoint Education, Inc.