---
title: "Assistant Secretaries Definition | Model Diplomat"
description: "Assistant Secretaries are Senate-confirmed officials heading U.S. executive department bureaus, crucial for policy execution and administration."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/assistant-secretaries"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Assistant Secretaries are Senate-confirmed sub-cabinet officials who head bureaus within U.
- S.
- How does an Assistant Secretary differ from an Under Secretary at the Department of State?
- Do Assistant Secretaries require Senate confirmation?
- What is the difference between regional and functional bureaus?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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