Second Masters Degree - MA/MTS vs. ThM

[GREman]

Having read all the topics on this forum, I am not sure the question of a 2 year MTS (or MA) vs. a 1 year ThM has been addressed enough. But I am curious since it is a question that has come up for me.

 

I recently completed a MDiv at a TT Divinity School on the East Coast. I took 15 courses in my area. I received an A-/A in over half of those courses (B+ in the rest) and have a GPA around 3.55 (3.7 GPA in UG). Given the competitiveness of doctoral applications, I am worried the GPA could sink me, though I otherwise have a strong SOP and GRE (160+), and strong LORS. I guess I do not have much work experience, but I am working in ecclesial settings now and could pursue ordination if time allows.

 

I imagine the benefits of another masters as follows: (1) more time to develop interests, (2) opportunity to strengthen GPA, (3) get to know professors and POIs better, and (4) to simply be more thoroughly trained (although that will also be accomplished in two years of coursework in a PhD).

 

 

But I'm wondering what some of you fine folks think. Does it seem reasonable for a person in my position to do another masters at all? Or is it reasonable to also just go for a PhD, keeping in mind I'm shooting for TT? 

 

Also, if anyone has general comments to make about whether to do a second masters, whether to choose the 1 or 2 year program, etc., your comments are most welcome.

[sacklunch]

It really depends on your area of interest. Like anything else, you will get mixed opinions. Some secure a spot with 'only' an MTS, others have 5-6 years of M* before starting a PhD. In brief I would say apply to both and see what happens. I would recommend applying applying to other M* instead of the ThM. They are almost always unfunded. Apply far and wide and see what happens. That's what most of us did. 

[marXian]

I agree with sacklunch: apply to both. I don't think a 3.55 MDiv GPA will sink you automatically--but it's definitely on the border.

 

But if you feel like you could move on to a PhD now without the extra degree, then definitely apply and apply to a couple M* programs as a backup plan.