The Bible college movement began in the late 19th century as a result of a spirit of renewal that permeated Protestant churches. The first school was founded in 1882. Within a few decades, the number of Bible institutes in the United States and Canada multiplied. Among these were two Philadelphia schools founded in 1913 and 1914 but with roots that can be traced to 1894 and the Pennsylvania Bible Institute. The merger of these two schools in 1951 formed Philadelphia College of Bible. For over a century, the Greater Philadelphia area has benefited from the presence of a distinct higher educational center committed to teaching the Word of God.

The impetus behind the Bible college movement was an attempt to counteract the encroaching liberalism that was infiltrating Christian churches and schools. Men like A. B. Simpson, D. L. Moody, C. I. Scofield and W. W. Rugh were driven by a vision—to train men and women to be biblically literate and spiritually mature, men and women to fill the void in the churches of America. This became the distinct mission of schools like Philadelphia Biblical University.

In the ensuing century, the need for trained men and women has not diminished nor has the mission of Philadelphia Biblical University swerved. PBU is committed to preparing leaders for the Christian church and society. Its mission statement is displayed in the foyer, published in official documents and communicated to the total constituency:

Philadelphia Biblical University exists to develop for the Christian church and related ministries leaders who possess a foundational knowledge of the Scriptures and a biblical world/life view. Its educational climate fosters development of intellectual and spiritual maturity, leadership potential, and a global perspective on mission.

In the fulfillment of its mission, the University is committed to:

• demonstrating and declaring the centrality of the Bible in all areas of life
• encouraging and facilitating intellectual development
• exemplifying that life is to be lived before a Holy God for His glory and honor
• providing quality services to the church, society, students, faculty and staff
• proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and treating people according to His example and teaching.

The institutional mission statement and objectives capture the philosophical commitments that drive the University's academic endeavors. The University places high value on the systematic study of the Bible as the foundation for all learning. All of its educational programs require a core of biblical studies. Faculty must demonstrate a belief in and an ability to understand the Bible as it relates to all knowledge. PBU remains steadfast in its belief that the systematic study of the Bible together with knowledge from various disciplines can be integrated into a coherent whole. This is the truly distinctive characteristic of the PBU curriculum and vision. Students are introduced to the classic academic disciplines in the arts, sciences and humanities, as well as professional studies. As an educational institution committed to the student's intellectual development, all programs apply appropriate levels of academic rigor and exposure to a broad spectrum of knowledge.

The University is also philosophically committed to providing an education that will shape Christian character and demonstrate appreciation for all human life. The goal is to produce in students a desire to serve Christ by serving humankind.

Throughout its history, Philadelphia Biblical University has been a leader in biblical higher education. Recognizing the need for quality education, it was one of the first schools to be accredited by the newly-formed Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges (1950). When it became evident that the three-year, non-degree programs were no longer adequate to prepare men and women for church leadership, PBU was one of the first Bible colleges to become a four-year, degree granting institution (1959).

PBU was the first Bible college in the eastern United States to achieve regional accreditation (1967). Recognized subsequently by four professional accrediting agencies, it now holds membership in more accrediting bodies than any institution of its kind.

The University has continued to respond to the needs of Christian churches and parachurch organizations by developing new professional programs, some of which result in the awarding of two undergraduate degrees. In 1992, graduate education was added, and today the student has the option of five graduate degrees. Non-traditional scheduling, new instructional technology and the availability of off-campus instruction have made it possible for PBU to serve an extended community. PBU continues to be at the forefront of academic innovation.

In view of its expanding programs and teaching sites, Philadelphia College of Bible began the process of achieving university status within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This process was culminated on July 18, 2000, when university status was granted.

On January 1, 2001, the name was officially and legally changed to Philadelphia Biblical University. This new name was selected for specific reasons.

Philadelphia—because the University's historic roots lie within the city of Philadelphia. For nine decades Philadelphia has been in its name. More important, the greater Philadelphia area is the University's campus, training ground and mission field.

Biblical—because this is the core of the curriculum. PBU is not the first Bible college to become a university, but it is the first to identify itself as a biblical university. Biblical is at the heart of the University's mission and the integrating factor in its educational philosophy. It is a name which makes no apologies for the belief that all
learning begins with, and is held together by, biblical learning.

University—because this is what the institution has become. The label expresses a commitment to education at a higher level. It describes an educational process that produces graduates knowledgeable about the world in which they live and able to articulate ideas and think critically. It suggests a rich and diverse exposure to a wide array of academic disciplines and multiple professional options.

Philadelphia Biblical University—A new designation that will enable the University to achieve greater effectiveness in fulfilling its mission. While continuing its single purpose, this new university will continue to provide a diversity of academic programs to students from across the nation and around the world. The label "university" will also better
communicate to the international educational community the broad scope of academic programs available at multiple instructional sites.

The history of the western university is replete with examples of the secularization of institutions once committed to the Bible as the critical component in academic pursuits. By God's grace, the two schools founded by C. I. Scofield and W. W. Rugh have transitioned from a Bible institute to a Bible college and now to a biblical university without compromise. This new University is designed to provide both diversity and unity through the integration of biblical truth with all knowledge.

The logo of Philadelphia Biblical University reflects the educational commitment described above. It consists of two symbols merged to convey two important concepts. The first symbol is that of the shield which has historically represented university education. The second symbol represents the triune God who has revealed Himself in the Bible. Merged together, they symbolize the University's commitment to ensure that God and His truth remain inextricably linked to all University programs.