What is MATLAB: Online Courses, Certification, Career, Salary, Admission & Fees

Imagine a powerful tool that can transform the way engineers design safer cars, enable scientists to analyze complex data sets with ease, and assist in the development of intelligent robots. This is the role that MATLAB plays in various fields. 

What is MATLAB?

MATLAB stands for "matrix laboratory". It is a robust programming and numeric computing environment designed for various engineering and scientific tasks, such as data analysis, signal and image processing, control systems, wireless communications, and robotics. The platform features a dedicated programming language, interactive applications, specialized libraries, and automatic tools for generating embedded code. Apart from all this, MATLAB also serves as the core for Simulink, which provides a block diagram environment for simulating intricate multi-domain systems.

The platform offers a Live Editor, which scientists and engineers use for creating scripts. It combines code, formatted text, and output in an executable notebook and helps the users to take their ideas to production. MATLAB also automatically converts the MATLAB algorithms to CUDA, HDL, and C/C++ code to run on the embedded processor. The codes written in the MATLAB algorithm are production-ready.

What is the Purpose of MATLAB?

MATLAB is a powerful programming platform widely used for designing, developing, and analyzing various systems and products. It was initially created to provide access to software from the LINPACK and EISPACK projects. Over the years, MATLAB has evolved significantly thanks to user community contributions, which have expanded its functionality and use cases. 

Today, MATLAB is utilized in several key areas, such as data analysis, large-scale computations, development of algorithms, application and embedded system development, deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) applications, creation of deep learning models, and much more. 

Which Programming Languages are Involved in the Development of MATLAB?

MATLAB is primarily developed using C, C++, and Java. While "MATLAB" commonly refers to the whole interactive programming environment, it also denotes a programming language in its own right.

MATLAB Components

MATLAB consists of five key components, which are:

Component	Description
Handle Graphics	Handle Graphics is a unique MATLAB approach that enables users to manipulate graphical objects through returned handles. This allows users to inspect, adjust, and control properties of visualized data effectively.
Environment	The MATLAB environment is an interactive workspace equipped with tools for statistical computations and coding tasks. It features a command window for executing code, a script editor for file creation and editing, an address bar, a workspace panel, and a folder navigation tree.
Application Programming Interface (API)	MATLAB's API facilitates interaction with external programs and data. It supports importing and exporting data, establishing client-server connections with external applications, and calling functions from Fortran or C within MATLAB.
Function Library	MATLAB offers an extensive library of computational algorithms. It includes basic mathematical operations such as trigonometric functions (e.g., sine, cosine, tangent) and advanced computations like matrix eigenvalue evaluations.
Language	MATLAB is a versatile, interpreted language used for developing applications of various sizes and complexities. It supports multiple programming paradigms, including functional, procedural, imperative, and object-oriented styles. Key features include advanced data visualization, fast numerical computations, and integrated tools for debugging and code editing.

Why Pursue an Online MATLAB Course or obtain a Certificate?

Pursuing an online MATLAB course or obtaining a certification offers several advantages:

• Online MATLAB courses often reduce expenses related to commuting, housing, and physical materials, making them more affordable than traditional on-campus programs.
• Various online platforms, like Coursera, Udemy, etc., allow enrollment in MATLAB courses and certification programs from top institutions worldwide, regardless of your location.
• As of 9th January 2025, there are 22,768+ job openings in India for professionals skilled in MATLAB.
• As per Ambitionbox, in India, professionals with MATLAB skills earn between INR 3.0 Lakhs to INR 13.0 Lakhs per year.

MATLAB Course Eligibility Criteria

The minimum eligibility for pursuing an online MATLAB course is:

1. Basic Math Skills: An understanding of fundamental mathematics, such as algebra, calculus, and linear algebra.
2. Basic Computer Literacy: Familiarity with basic computer operations, like navigating files, using a mouse, and opening applications.
3. No Programming Experience Required: Beginners with no prior programming knowledge can enroll, as MATLAB is beginner-friendly with built-in functions for common calculations.

This makes MATLAB courses accessible to individuals interested in scientific or engineering fields, even if they lack extensive coding experience.

Skillset Required to Pursue an Online MATLAB Course

The students inclined towards pursuing MATLAB Courses should possess the following skills: 

• Knowledge of Advance Mathematics
• Science
• Good at Numbers
• Sound knowledge of Computers
• Communication Skills

MATLAB Syllabus

The syllabus for MATLAB varies for various courses. Take a look at the generic course curriculum for online MATLAB courses and certifications:

Module	Topics Covered	Learning Objectives
Introduction to MATLAB	Overview of MATLAB, installation, and interface navigation MATLAB environment and workspace setup	Familiarize with MATLAB's environment and understand its key features and functionalities.
MATLAB Basics	Variables, data types, and constants Mathematical operations and operators Working with scripts and functions	Learn to write basic MATLAB code and understand the fundamentals of programming in MATLAB.
Data Visualization	Plotting graphs (2D and 3D) Customizing plots (titles, labels, legends) Exporting plots	Understand how to create, manipulate, and customize visual representations of data.
Control Flow and Loops	Conditional statements (if-else, switch) Loops (for, while) Error handling	Master control flow constructs and implement decision-making logic in MATLAB programs.
Matrix and Array Operations	Basics of matrices and arrays Matrix indexing, slicing, and manipulation Linear algebra applications	Gain expertise in handling matrices and performing array-based computations.
Functions and Scripts	User-defined functions Anonymous functions Working with scripts and modular programming	Develop the ability to write reusable and modular code through functions and scripts.
File I/O Operations	Importing and exporting data Reading/writing files (text, Excel, CSV) Handling file paths	Learn to manage data files and work efficiently with external datasets in MATLAB.
Simulink Basics	Introduction to Simulink Creating simple models Connecting MATLAB and Simulink	Understand the basics of Simulink and its integration with MATLAB for system modeling and simulation.
Image Processing	Image loading and displaying Basic image transformations (resizing, cropping) Image filters and feature extraction	Explore basic image processing techniques and applications in MATLAB.
Optimization and Curve Fitting	Linear and non-linear optimization Using MATLAB’s Optimization Toolbox Curve fitting and interpolation techniques	Learn optimization techniques and fit models to data using MATLAB tools.
MATLAB for Machine Learning	Data preprocessing Clustering and classification Neural networks and deep learning basics	Introduce machine learning workflows and tools available in MATLAB.
MATLAB Applications	Signal processing Control systems Data analysis and visualization	Apply MATLAB to real-world applications and gain practical exposure to its advanced features.
Project and Case Study	End-to-end project involving MATLAB tools Problem-solving using MATLAB in a chosen domain	Demonstrate skills and understanding of MATLAB through a practical project or case study.

Top Online MATLAB Courses

Here are some of the top online MATLAB courses that you can opt from:

Course	Vendor/Provider/Institute
Certificate in MATLAB	Lakshya Training
Certificate in DSP using MATLAB	NIELIT Kolkata
Certificate Course in DSP Using MATLAB	NIELIT Ajmer
MATLAB Programming	NIELIT Guwahati
Online Certificate in Automation in Structural Analysis and Design using MATLAB and MASTAN	Skill Lync
Certificate Course in DSP using MATLAB	NIELIT Patna
Certificate in MATLAB	NIELIT Gorakhpur
Programming in MATLAB	NIELIT Srinagar
Online Certificate in Fuel Cell and Ultra-Capacitors for EV using MATLAB and Simulink	Skill Lync

MATLAB Certification

There are two levels of MATLAB certifications

Certificate Level	Significance	Exam Duration
Certified MATLAB Associate	It validates proficiency with MATLAB. The certificate also prepares the professionals for the next certificate level, that is the MATLAB Professional level.	1.5 hours
Certified MATLAB Professional	It validates that one belongs to the group of the most proficient professionals with MATLAB skills.	3.5 hours

Top Colleges Offering MATLAB Courses

Here are some of the best colleges that offer MATLAB courses:

College Name	Course Name
National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology	Certificate in DSP using MATLAB
National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology, Gorakhpur	Certificate in MATLAB Certificate in DSP using MATLAB
IIHT- Thiruvanmiyur	Certificate in MATLAB
NIELIT Lucknow - National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology	DSP using MATLAB
National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology, Chandigarh	Certificate in MATLAB Certificate Course in MATLAB

MATLAB Career Scope: Job, Salary and Top Recruiters

The pass-outs of MATLAB courses can begin their career with the below-mentioned profiles or enhance their professional path after completing this programming language.

Job Title	Skills Required	Average Salary in INR (LPA)	Top Recruiters
Data Analyst	Data manipulation, statistical analysis, data visualization, MATLAB toolboxes, data cleaning	6.1	TCS, Accenture, Deloitte, Cognizant
Simulator Engineer	System modeling, simulation tools (Simulink), optimization techniques, algorithm development	7	Honeywell, Bosch, Ford, Lockheed Martin
Control Systems Engineer	Control algorithms, system dynamics, MATLAB for control systems, linear and nonlinear systems	8.8	Siemens, General Electric, ABB
Signal Processing Engineer	Signal filtering, Fourier transforms, MATLAB signal processing toolbox, noise reduction techniques	8	Qualcomm, Texas Instruments, Ericsson
Machine Learning Engineer	Machine learning algorithms, data preprocessing, model training, neural networks, MATLAB ML toolbox	10.2	IBM, Amazon, NVIDIA, Accenture
Embedded Systems Engineer	Embedded programming, hardware interfacing, MATLAB for system simulation, real-time systems	6.8	Intel, Bosch, Arm Holdings, Texas Instruments
Research Scientist	Data modeling, algorithm development, mathematical modeling, MATLAB for simulations	9.2	ISRO, DRDO, CSIR, University Research Labs
Aerospace Engineer	Aerospace modeling, MATLAB simulations, flight dynamics, optimization, system modeling	12	Boeing, Airbus, SpaceX, Lockheed Martin
Automotive Engineer	Vehicle dynamics, system modeling, MATLAB for automotive simulation, control systems	5.6	Tata Motors, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Ford
Financial Analyst	Financial modeling, data analysis, risk assessment, MATLAB for quantitative analysis	6.1	Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan
MATLAB Developer/Programmer	MATLAB programming, algorithm development, toolboxes, software development, debugging skills	5.8	MathWorks, Microsoft, Accenture, IBM

Conclusion

The job scope in MATLAB is vast. It is an exclusive field, and professionals who are looking to do some exclusive work can take up MATLAB courses. It is definitely not for everyone. A career in MATLAB is a good one in the long term. However, this is not the best option for those who are looking for instant success. If one knows MATLAB programming, one can do research work in mathematics, programming, or mechanical engineering.

Following are the most popular MATLAB Colleges in India. Learn more about these MATLAB colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.

Following are the top exams for MATLAB. Students interested in pursuing a career on MATLAB, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.