The profession of social work is devoted to the enhancement of human well-being and to the alleviation of poverty and oppression. These goals are accomplished through the promotion, restoration, maintenance and enhancement of the social functioning of individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. The expansion of human service programs and areas of practice that utilize social work knowledge and skills create a demand for professionally-educated social workers. Social Work offers a challenging and exciting career for the individual who is motivated to help others and who has a personal commitment to the advancement of social justice. The MSW at OU is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the accrediting body for educational programs in social work.

The school achieves its mission by preparing skilled social work practitioners who are committed to practice that includes services to the poor and oppressed, by improving and developing social service programs, and by promoting professionalism in social work in Oklahoma. The mission of the school is as follows:

The Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work advances relevant and high quality knowledge and values of social work practice useful in preparing competent social workers who can elevate the status of people, populations or communities that experience considerable vulnerability and injustice within Oklahoma and the broader society.