MATLAB Degree: Academic Paths, Career Opportunities, and Course Value

MATLAB, short for Matrix Laboratory, is a numeric computing and programming platform using a high-performance language that expresses problems and solutions in mathematical notation. MATLAB is used for mathematical, engineering, scientific, statistical, and finance tasks. It includes interactive apps, a programming language, and libraries and tools that can help speed the development process and reduce errors by automatically generating embedded code. 

MATLAB has numerous practical applications, so it can be a valuable option for study. You can use a MATLAB degree in a variety of industries when working in research and development. Explore how to learn MATLAB through degree programs, projects, and other course options, and discover possible career options that utilize MATLAB. 

Can I earn a MATLAB degree?

While degrees specifically in MATLAB don’t currently exist, some universities offer them as part of bachelor’s degree programs, as an additional program, or as a complementary tutorial. More than 6,500 universities globally teach MATLAB to engineering, finance, economics, and science learners [1]. 

Degree options for learning MATLAB

If you want to learn MATLAB as part of your degree, consider its use in the context of the field you’d like to work in. While you may not be able to choose MATLAB as a major, you can find it in a variety of core courses and electives for majors, including:

• Engineering

• Math

• Statistics

• Science

• Finance

Key coursework and projects involving MATLAB

Examples of coursework and projects that can be part of a MATLAB-focused degree include:

• MATLAB Basics program

• MATLAB for Scientists

• Linear algebra for statistics with MATLAB

• Introduction to Computational Mathematics, including MATLAB

As part of your degree, you might also have access to MATLAB tutorials and resources such as books and help articles if you need support.

Alternative ways to learn MATLAB

If MATLAB isn’t part of your degree course or you want to expand on what you learn in your degree program, you can find various ways to learn about and gain experience with MATLAB. Options include online courses, books and resources, and networking to find people who can help you. 

Online courses

MathWorks offers its own training courses on MATLAB, which you can enroll in and study online. Starting with MATLAB Fundamentals, you can choose from a range of MATLAB courses covering various specialties. Specialties include:

• Artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and statistics

• Programming and application development

• Image processing and computer vision

• Signal processing and communications

• Modeling and simulation

• Algorithm design

• Physical modeling

• HDL code generation

• C code generation

For each specialty, you can find several MATLAB courses, each lasting several days.

Books

You can find a range of books to help you learn MATLAB. Examples include:

• Numerical Computing with MATLAB by Cleve B. Moler

• MATLAB, An Introduction with Applications by Amos Gilat

• An Introduction to Programming and Numerical Methods in MATLAB by S.R. Otto and J.P. Denier

Practice and resources

Practice using MATLAB by actively using it to solve problems. You can use resources like tutorials to help you understand the basics and beyond, with a range of supportive resources on the MathsWork website as a starting point.

Network

You can find online MATLAB communities and support forums where you can engage with other professionals. Use online networking platforms to find peers and MATLAB-focused professionals you can engage with and potentially even connect with to find a mentor. 

Is MATLAB in high demand?

MATLAB is in demand, with many industries using it, including engineering, math, and science. Industries looking for candidates with skills in MATLAB include:

• Aerospace

• Energy

• Automotive

• Biotech

• Pharmaceutical

• Ocean sciences

• Earth sciences

• Industrial automation

• Communications

• Electronics

• Financial services

Are MATLAB courses worth it?

MATLAB is an important skill for many jobs in the engineering and science fields at both large companies and start-ups. Having knowledge of and experience with MATLAB could be beneficial to your career. 

Career paths with a MATLAB-focused degree

A MATLAB-focused degree can lead to many career opportunities in the science, math, and engineering fields. Some career paths for those with MATLAB skills include load engineer, spacecraft systems engineer, aerodynamics engineer, optical design engineer, and evaluation engineer [2].

Loads engineer

Average annual US base salary: $107,992 [3]

Job outlook (2023 through 2033): 11 percent [4]

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering at a minimum.

As a loads engineer, you can use your engineering skills to design and develop aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles, and suggest upgrades for existing systems. You can research appropriate materials and create load schedules and cases.

Spacecraft systems engineer

Average annual US base salary: $109,476 [5]

Job outlook (2023 through 2033): 6 percent [6]

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering. Some positions may require a master's degree.

As a spacecraft systems engineer, you can use MATLAB and other tools to design and build spacecraft. You can play a role in space exploration and might find a role with a government agency such as NASA. 

Aerodynamics engineer

Average annual US base salary: $107,320 [7]

Job outlook (2023 through 2033): 6 percent [6]

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or aeronautical engineering. 

As an aerodynamics engineer, you can conduct research on vehicles such as spacecraft, satellites, and land vehicles to ensure designs are feasible and safe. You can research things like whether the shapes and weight of a given vehicle have been appropriately designed. 

Optical design engineer

Average annual US base salary: $113,249 [8]

Job outlook (2023 through 2033): 9 percent [9]

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctorate in optics or physics. Some states require you to get a license before you can practice professionally.

As an optical design engineer, you can design and build technology and solutions to optical problems, such as laser technology, optical lenses, telescopes, and fiber optics. You can also work to test, improve, and fix optical designs.

Evaluation engineer

Average annual US base salary: $117,595 [10]

Job outlook (2023 through 2033): 12 percent [11]

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in engineering, science, or a related field.

As an evaluation engineer, you can work for manufacturing companies to test, evaluate, and improve processes and products and make recommendations for repair or improvement. You can check that outcomes meet appropriate customer and industry standards and regulations.

How to highlight MATLAB skills on your resume

When writing your resume for a career opportunity that requires MATLAB, it’s essential that you highlight your MATLAB skills clearly and give evidence of your achievements. Include MATLAB in your skills section and in the body of the experience section on your resume to highlight specific MATLAB-related achievements. 

Continue exploring MATLAB on Coursera

Although you won’t find a specific MATLAB degree at any university, you can search for MATLAB-focused degrees. You can find options in engineering, math, science, and finance. You can also explore alternatives to bolster your resume and enhance your MATLAB skills. For example, you can strengthen your data science skills with the beginner-friendly IBM Data Science Professional Certificate or sharpen your abilities to work with AI with the University of Pennsylvania’s AI for Business Specialization. You might also consider enrolling in Coursera Plus for access to these programs and more on Coursera.

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