The charter of the Academy was altered on January 1, 1879, to authorize it to confer degrees and diplomas.
Funding from PPG Industries founder John Pitcairn enabled the construction of the new campus.
[3] The Theological School's stated mission is "to support the Lord's presence among people by preparing men for the priesthood of the New Church.
The primary focus of this school is on training men to serve as pastors in the General Church of the New Jerusalem.
This school will also help provide for the continuing development of priests, and for graduate-level instruction of lay people in New Church doctrine.