Elizabeth Van Dyke

Class of 2015

MA in Biblical Studies & MA in Theological Studies

Class of 2015

What work or ministries have you been involved with since graduation?

I earned a Masters and a PhD in Near Eastern Languages and cultures with a specialization in Hebrew Bible at UCLA. I am now teaching Old Testament at Westmont College in Santa Barbara. I have published several academic journal articles as well. On the ministry front, I have taught Bible studies for Reformed University Fellowship.

Have you pursued/completed further education since graduation? If so, where?

UCLA for a Masters and PhD.

How has your seminary education been valuable in your current vocation (or any vocation since graduation)? Has it been valuable in ways you weren’t expecting?

My seminary education has been unbelievably valuable; I came into my PhD program with a strong grounding in biblical Hebrew which has continued to serve me well. Due to my rigorous education, I was also used to vast amounts of reading and writing.

What would you say to a woman who is currently considering seminary education at WSC?

There are so many benefits to an education at WSC. The faculty is full of pastor-scholars who model sound teaching and living; I always found them to be thoughtful and humble both inside and outside of the classroom. The staff is kind and caring and always willing to help. And while being a woman on a campus of mostly men can be intimidating, it’s good preparation for many areas in which you might find yourself in the future. Plus, I overall found my classmates to be respectful, friendly, and fun. In sum, there is a lot for you to learn at WSC, personally, intellectually, and spiritually. There are lessons here for you that will stick with you through your whole Christian life. And, while yes, it is a lot of hard work, it is worth it when you see how it shapes and molds you into being a better servant of Christ.