NSF is divided into seven directorates that support science and engineering research and education: Biological Sciences, Computer and Information Science and Engineering, Engineering, Geosciences, Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences, and Education and Human Resources. In addition, the Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships supports use-inspired and translational research. Each is headed by an assistant director and each is further subdivided into divisions like materials research, ocean sciences and behavioral and cognitive sciences. Within NSF's Office of the Director, the Office of Integrative Activities also supports research and researchers. Other sections of NSF are devoted to financial management, award processing and monitoring, legal affairs, outreach and other functions.

Biological Sciences (BIO)

• Biological Infrastructure (DBI)
• Environmental Biology (DEB)
• Emerging Frontiers (EF)
• Integrative Organismal Systems (IOS)
• Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB)

Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE)

• Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure (OAC)
• Computing and Communication Foundations (CCF)
• Computer and Network Systems (CNS)
• Information and Intelligent Systems (IIS)

Engineering (ENG)

• Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental and Transport Systems (CBET)
• Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation (CMMI)
• Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems (ECCS)
• Engineering Education and Centers (EEC)
• Emerging Frontiers and Multidisciplinary Activities (EFMA)

Geosciences (GEO)

• Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences (AGS)
• Earth Sciences (EAR)
• Ocean Sciences (OCE)
• Office of Polar Programs (OPP)

Integrative Activities (OIA)

International Science and Engineering (OISE)

Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS)

• Astronomical Sciences (AST)
• Chemistry (CHE)
• Materials Research (DMR)
• Mathematical Sciences (DMS)
• Physics (PHY)
• Office of Multidisciplinary Activities (OMA)

Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE)

• Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences (BCS)
• National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES)
• Social and Economic Sciences (SES)
• SBE Office of Multidisciplinary Activities (SMA)

STEM Education (EDU)

• Graduate Education (DGE)
• Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings (DRL)
• Undergraduate Education (DUE)
• Equity for Excellence in STEM (EES)

Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP)

• Technology Frontiers (TF)
• Innovation and Technology Ecosystems (ITE)
• Translational Impacts (TI)
• Strategic Partnerships Office (SPO)