The BSW is a four year program of two terms per year including a range of core social work courses and a number of courses from cognate disciplines such as psychology, sociology and Indigenous studies. There are two field education experiences undertaken at the beginning of Year 3 (12 weeks) and the final term of Year 4 (16 weeks). Field education experiences are undertaken in a human service organisation in accordance with the requirements of the Australian Association of Social Workers, are usually unpaid, and supervised by a qualified social worker. A full-time study load comprises four courses per semester (excluding the field education semesters) and there is a compulsory on campus residential school attached to one  social work course in each term if the program is undertaken as written. Residentials comprise three day blocks delivered from Rockhampton and Noosaville campuses.

All students entering the program enrol in the BSW (CG79). Those who choose to terminate their studies and exit early (providing all relevant courses have been satisfactorily completed) are eligible at the second year exit point for an Associate Degree in Human Services (96 credit points) or a Bachelor of Human Services at the third year exit point (144 credit points).  All students progressing successfully through the BSW degree program will be eligible for interim awards of an Associate Degree Community Welfare at the two year completion point (96 credit points) and a Bachelor of Community Welfare at the three year completion point (144 credit points).