U.S. Department of State

Diplomacy: The U.S. Department of State@Work

As the lead U.S. foreign affairs agency, the U.S. Department of State has over 265 diplomatic locations around the world, including embassies, consulates, and missions to international organizations. The Department also maintains diplomatic relations with most countries in the world, as well as with many international organizations.

The Secretary of State, the ranking member of the Cabinet and fourth in line of presidential succession, is the President's principal advisor on foreign policy and the person chiefly responsible for representing the United States abroad. The primary goal of the Secretary of State and the U.S. Department of State is to shape a freer, more secure, and more prosperous world through formulating and implementing the President's foreign policy, while supporting and protecting American interests abroad.

The Department is responsible for promoting peace and stability in areas of vital interest to America, and helping developing nations establish stable economic environments. It is a source of support for American businesses abroad, working to achieve fair business practices in commerce, trade, manufacturing and other interests—while also identifying viable opportunities for American businesses.

The U.S. Department of State also provides information and services for U.S. citizens travelling abroad, including issuing passports. And, it also issues visas to foreigners wishing to visit the United States.

The Department is responsible for selecting and hiring employees who accomplish America's mission of diplomacy at home and around the world, including Foreign Service Officers, Foreign Service Specialists and Civil Service professionals. For those pursuing undergraduate, graduate or other advanced degrees, and professionals who are interested in an executive development program in public service, the Department offers a number of programs, including internships and fellowships.

Learn more about how and where we perform our important work, our Foreign and Civil Service, and Student/Professional Programs, as well as details about our influential history.