The Master of Theology (Th.M.) degree is recognized internationally as a degree that enables students, who already possess a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or equivalent first theological degree, to return to school in order to deepen their study in a particular area related to their ministry or to prepare more fully for applying to doctoral programs. <br><br>The Th.M. at Vanderbilt Divinity School is a 30 credit hour program designed around the student's vocational aims and a specific academic area/discipline. The degree provides students the opportunity to develop meaningful research questions and rigorous research methods in order to explore, analyze, and ultimately formulate constructive insights in a particular area of advanced theological study.<br><br>The first Th.M. application deadline is January 15th. Applications are evaluated again if received between January 15th and April 1st. Applications evaluated on a rolling basis through June 1st. All applicants are required to identify one VDS faculty member with whom they wish to study in their designated field.