[How useful is a ThM after an MA?]

I hope this topic hasn't been addressed too frequently (I've done a few searches but couldn't find an exact answer). I'm wondering whether it would be worth it to transfer from my 4-year M.Div program into an MA program at my school. This would enable me to graduate this spring and then apply for ThM programs in NT at other top-tier schools, as opposed to doing another year of my M.Div. I'm currently attending a very conservative seminary for my MDiv.

 

How helpful is doing a ThM at the school where you want to pursue a PhD? (esp if it is top-tier)

 

I've heard that it's difficult to build relationships with professors in just one semester of a ThM, but I'm wondering whether taking classes at the school I hope to attend would help get my foot in the door and would give the professors a chance to see my work. Another option would be to pursue the ThM part-time, giving me at least a year to build stronger relationships with the professors before applying the second year. Is it unheard of for professors to write LORs for students they have only had for one semester?

 

My options right now are either: 1) Continue with my MDiv and apply this coming fall for PhD programs (and apply for ThM programs if I don't get accepted anywhere); 2) Graduate this spring with an MA and apply for ThM programs, then apply for PhD programs this fall while finishing a ThM.

 

Any thoughts you have would be very helpful! Finances are an issue as well, since graduating with an MA (instead of the MDiv) would cost significantly less.