According to Booher, Emmanuel Seminary offers small, more intimate class sizes of about 10-30 students. Photo of Emmanuel building by Jordan Burch.
Across the road and up the hill from Milligan sits Emmanuel Christian Seminary. Emmanuel is a theological school embedded in the overall school of Milligan College.
Not all Milligan students have much interaction with Emmanuel. In fact, there are many students who have never even been up the hill to the school.
“In all my time at Milligan I have never been up to Emmanuel,” Sofoniyas Wedeneh, a sophomore, said. “I am curious as to what it looks like up there and what all they offer.” Sofoniyas isn’t the only Milligan student to share in this curiosity.
There are many options open to students who are curious about Emmanuel. Dr. Rollin A. Ramsaran, the Dean of Seminary, said, “I encourage Milligan students to come take a look around and meet with the faculty. We are always happy to speak with perspective students and even students who just want to learn a little bit more.”
It is common for Milligan undergraduate students to continue their education at Emmanuel. Both Dr. Booher, adjunct professor of Christian Ministries, and Ramsaran mentioned a unique opportunity for Milligan students to take classes at Emmanuel while still enrolled at Milligan. This is a good way for students to get ahead on their degree and to enhance their learning.
“Because of the proximity between the schools, I have been able to continue participation and leadership at Grandview, play on the same ultimate frisbee team for ETSU, maintain relationships with former professors and even teach adjunct at my alma mater,” said Nathan Cachiaras, a graduate student at Emmanuel.
“It has felt like a new and exciting challenge, in which I am continuing to learn and be formed for a life of service to the kingdom of God through the church,” said Cachiaras.
There are several students and faculty who are impressed with the learning environment offered at Emmanuel.
“I really enjoy teaching courses at Emmanuel. There is a shared desire by the students to learn and improve. Within classes, there is a very encouraging atmosphere amongst the students,” Booher said. Similar to Milligan, Emmanuel Seminary offers small, more intimate class sizes of about 10-30 students, according to Booher. This allows for an enhanced learning experience. The First Christian Church in Johnson City recently donated a grant to the Milligan Bible Department. This has helped strengthen the ministry programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
The Seminary also offers apartment living in the Emmanuel Village. The Village is a collection of modern style apartments within walking distance of the Phillips building. According to Dr. Ramsaran, The Village prioritizes Emmanuel seminary students but offers the extra living spaces to OT or other graduate students.
The Phillips Building houses four main departments: occupational therapy which has 64 students, engineering which has 55 students, physician’s assistant which has 50 students, and seminary which has 144 students. The Seminary offers 4 degrees.
The first of these degrees is a Master of Divinity. It is a 3-year, 90-credit hour program that offers top level instruction for students interested in any theological profession. It encompasses everything from urban or rural ministry to international missions.
The second theological degree offered at Emmanuel is a Master of Arts in Religion. It is a 2-year, 57-credit hour program designed to prepare students for further academic study. The primary purpose of this degree is to help students get a theological background before pursuing further graduate or professional programs.
The next degree is a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry. This is a 3-year, 48-credit hour ministry program perfect for people who already have ministry background, or are working in as a minister already. This degree is partially attainable online, which caters to the busy schedule of someone who is already employed and looking to increase their skills or knowledge. Students are only required to attend classroom sessions during one week on campus.
The last theological degree is a Doctorate of Ministry. This is a 3- to 5-year, 36-credit hour program which focuses on combining work experience with further reflection and study. This program is focused towards professionals attempting to further their education, so the program is flexible with working schedules.
Along with the mainstream Seminary programs that are offered at Emmanuel, the B.D. Phillips Building also houses a couple of after graduate programs. You will find students pursuing degrees in the physician’s assistant graduate program and the engineering undergraduate program. These are two developed programs with highly qualified staff, according to engineering department head, Dr. Greg Harrell. There is also a handful of laboratories, study rooms, and a well-furnished library in the building.
The other primary educational building on Emmanuel Hill is the Thompson Center. This build hosts both educational and spiritual events. The primary educational use of the Thompson Center is for occupational therapy classes. There are also special lectures, fireside talks, as well as fellowship retreats. Within the Thompson Center, there are six guest rooms which are ideal for hosting small to medium size groups.