The hands-on experience a new Metropolitan College publishing program offers is aimed at both Boston University students with no experience and those already immersed in the field.

The Book and Magazine Publishing Certificate Program, a year-long crash course started in fall 2006, is taught by professionals who give advice on networking and writing résumés.

The program is aimed at teaching its students — many who are already working in the publishing business — more practical knowledge for success in publishing, said Program Director Richard Cravatts.

“We teach students the business of publishing . . . publication design and print strategies . . . and editorial principles and practices,” he said. “We see ourselves as using a really practical approach to publishing.”

Program teacher Lissa Warren assigns her book, The Savvy Author’s Guide to Book Publicity, as part of her course.

“I try to keep class as real-world focused as possible,” she said. “I talk about things that are actually discussed in publishing houses.”

Although she cautioned that the publishing program is not a career-planning and placement office, Warren said the program at BU is “more rapid-fire,” catering to those who have jobs.

“They need information quickly,” she said. “They’re anxious to get into the professional world . . . they want to get going.”

According to MET Center for Professional Education Director Ruth Ann Murray, the Center, which hosts several seminars and offers certificate programs throughout the year, provides professionals with up-to-date information in their respective fields.

After completing three courses, students choose to either study book or magazine publishing. But many were unaware of the program’s existence until they attended an open house a few weeks before they enrolled, Cravatts said.

“Entry-level professionals might want to make themselves more valuable to their employers by learning up-to-date skills,” he said. “They can see what else is available for them.”