23.1 Federal Agencies, Missions & Opportunities

The federal government operates through a wide range of departments and agencies that serve the nation, regulate industries, provide security, and support communities. Each offers distinct career opportunities for people interested in public service.

Department of Defense (DoD)

Mission & Role: Provides military forces needed to deter war and protect national security. The DoD oversees the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force.

Public Service Opportunities: National security, logistics, engineering, intelligence, technology development, and civilian administrative roles.

Department of State (DOS)

Mission & Role: Leads foreign policy and international relations, managing diplomacy, embassies, and global partnerships.

Public Service Opportunities: Foreign service officers, policy analysts, international development specialists, and public affairs professionals.

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Mission & Role: Protects public health, provides essential human services, and administers programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Agencies include the CDC, FDA, and NIH.

Public Service Opportunities: Public health, scientific research, program administration, social services, and regulatory enforcement.

Department of Justice (DOJ)

Mission & Role: Enforces federal law, defends the interests of the United States, and ensures fair and impartial justice. Includes the FBI, DEA, and U.S. Marshals Service.

Public Service Opportunities: Law enforcement, legal services, investigation, policy analysis, and corrections.

Department of Education (ED)

Mission & Role: Promotes student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and equal access.

Public Service Opportunities: Policy analysis, education program administration, civil rights enforcement, and research.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Mission & Role: Ensures the safety and security of the nation, focusing on border protection, immigration services, cybersecurity, and disaster response.

Public Service Opportunities: Emergency management, cybersecurity, immigration services, law enforcement, and infrastructure protection.

Department of Transportation (DOT)

Mission & Role: Oversees national transportation systems, including highways, aviation, railroads, and public transit.

Public Service Opportunities: Civil engineering, project management, transportation planning, policy development, and safety regulation.

Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Mission & Role: Supports farming, ensures food safety, manages nutrition programs, and protects natural resources.

Public Service Opportunities: Food inspection, agricultural research, rural development, conservation, and nutrition services.

Department of the Interior (DOI)

Mission & Role: Manages federal lands, natural resources, wildlife conservation, and Native American affairs.

Public Service Opportunities: Park management, conservation science, land use planning, and resource policy.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Mission & Role: Protects human health and the environment by enforcing environmental laws and promoting sustainability.

Public Service Opportunities: Environmental regulation, compliance, research, policy analysis, and community outreach.

Social Security Administration (SSA)

Mission & Role: Administers retirement, disability, and survivor benefits for millions of Americans.

Public Service Opportunities: Benefits administration, program analysis, customer service, and IT systems support.