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WUSTEPS

WashU Political Science's PhD Prep Program

WUSTEPS Overview

Are you curious about politics and are eager to explore how research can shape our understanding of the world, but haven't yet had the chance to get involved in that research? The WUSTEPS program at WashU is designed to prepare undergraduates with limited access to research opportunities for political science PhD programs. The program offers an opportunity for prospective graduate students to train with leading political scientists at WashU as they prepare for their own graduate school journey. 

WUSTEPS is a FREE and PAID 2-week research program where students will be paired with faculty mentors to explore their research interests and contribute to active and meaningful projects. Students will also receive introductory training in research methods as well as participate in professionalization seminars to prepare them for graduate school. Students can expect:

  • One-on-one mentoring and guidance - explore your research interests and meaningfully contribute to political science projects with leading WashU faculty
  • Foundational training - develop skills in research methods, data analysis, and academic writing
  • Professional development - participate in research and classes, as well as workshops geared toward graduate school applications, statement writing, and navigating the academic world
  • Free program: On campus housing, lunches, and meal stipends provided at no cost

 

2026 WUSTEPS Dates: May 24th to June 6th 

Applications for WUSTEPS are open! Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Priority will be given to those submitted by March 7th. 

Program Goals & Requirements

Program Goals

Students who successfully complete our program should leave with:

  • Introductory training in statistical research methods
  • The beginnings of a research agenda
  • Experience working with fellow scholars on developing research and projects
  • A firm understanding of what to get out of graduate school and how to be a successful student

Requirements

WUSTEPS is open to all undergraduate students who are US citizens or permanent residents currently enrolled in a University and interested in political science research -- especially those with limited or no prior research experience. Political Science is a diverse discipline and we welcome students majoring in all social sciences (including sociology, economics, anthropology etc.) from all different backgrounds.

To apply, eligible students should be ready to provide the following:

Resume/CV

Students should be ready to provide an up-to-date Resume or CV that tells your academic history and, if applicable, professional history. Documents can be submitted as .pdf or .doc files.

Essay Questions

These questions give us more information about who you are and why you are applying to the program. You will be asked to answer the following questions:

  1. Why are you interested in participating in WUSTEPS, and what do you hope to gain from the experience?
  2. Describe a political or social issue that you would like to understand more deeply through research.
  3. Have you ever worked on an independent project, class paper, or idea that sparked your curiosity about political science? Tell us about it briefly.
  4. How have your experiences, background, or perspective shaped your interest in pursuing graduate studies?

Contact information & References

Students will be required to provide the name and contact information for a faculty member who can serve as a reference if they are admitted to the program. Your reference is not required to submit a letter at the time you submit your application.

Faculty Mentors of WUSTEPS

 

WUSTEPS Director - Carly Wayne

Professor Wayne's research and teaching lie at the intersection of international relations, conflict, and behavioral approaches to politics. She specializes in the psychological causes and consequences of political violence for the mass public, elite decision-making in conflict contexts, and strategic adaptation in modern warfare.

Faculty mentors for Summer 2026 will be announced soon. Please see below for sample mentors from last year’s program

Daniel Butler

Daniel Butler

Professor of Political Science

Dan Butler studies American Politics. He focuses on questions related to representation and the behavior of elites and he primarily teaches courses in American politics.

Margit Tavits

Margit Tavits

Dr. William Taussig Professor in Arts & Sciences

​Professor Margit Tavits is a comparativist who studies party politics and political behavior.

Jacob Montgomery

Jacob Montgomery

Professor of Political Science

Professor Montgomery's research focuses on how to use advanced methods from statistics and computer science for core social science tasks including measurement and theory testing with a special focus on American politics and (more recently) social media.

The Source Features WUSTEPS

WashU's Arts & Sciences newsroom covered the inaugural co-hort of WUSTEPS in The Sources. Read their coverage at the link below

The Source

Why WashU?

Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL) is a top-ranked graduate program that provides cutting edge training to students. WashU has an outstanding track record of academic success with students earning tenure-track jobs at UCLA, NYU, Rice, Loyola and more.

By the numbers, WashU is:

  • 13th overall in Political Science PhD Programs.
  • 8th overall in Methods
  • 15th overall in American Politics

Why Political Science?

Struggling to understand if you are interested in Political Science?

At WashU students study political science because they are interested in investigating how governments and societies function and asking questions about how they might be improved.

Specifically, political science entails training students in advanced statistical methods to equip them with the tools necessary to design and conduct research. Additionally, students will receive substantive training in one subfield of their choice:

  • Comparative Politics (study of political regimes, including the state, development and modernization, political, economic, and social movements)
  • International Relations (study of global processes throughout the international system)
  • American Politics (study of U.S. institutions and political processes)
  • Political Methodology (study of statistical models and data science techniques for political data)

WUSTEPS FAQs

What is WUSTEPS?
WUSTEPS (Washington University Summer Training for Excellence in Political Science) is a free, two-week summer research program that helps undergraduates prepare for graduate study in political science. Participants receive mentoring, research training, and professional development support from WashU faculty and graduate students.

Who should apply to WUSTEPS?
The program is designed for undergraduate students who are interested in political science research but have had limited or no access to research opportunities at their home institutions. Students from all colleges and universities are welcome to apply.

Do I need prior research experience to participate?
No — in fact, WUSTEPS is specifically intended for students without previous research experience. The program will introduce you to key research skills and methods.

Is there a cost to attend?
No. WUSTEPS is completely free for all participants. WashU provides on-campus housing, meals, and a stipend to help cover additional expenses.

What will I do during the program?
You’ll work closely with a WashU faculty mentor on an active political science research project, attend workshops on research design and data analysis, and participate in professional development sessions focused on graduate school preparation.

Where does the program take place?
The program is held in person on the Washington University in St. Louis campus. Participants live in campus housing for the duration of the two-week program.

When does the 2026 program take place?
The 2026 session runs from May 24 to June 6, 2026.

How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online. A link to the application form is available at the top of this page. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and priority is given to those submitted by March 7, 2026.

How many students are accepted each year?
The program is small and selective to ensure personalized mentorship. Typically, around 10–15 students are accepted each summer.

Can international students apply?
At this time only US citizens and permanent residents may apply.

What kind of mentoring will I receive?
Each student is paired with a WashU faculty mentor and often works alongside graduate students. Mentors guide students through the research process and offer advice on applying to graduate school and pursuing a career in academia.