According to the characteristics of digital signal processing course, and the problems of teaching process, the digital signal processing is reformed by MATLAB software. Based on the MATALB simulation software, the calculation process of mathematical formulae is played down, and the connection of students' knowledge is emphasized. The use of software to generate interesting animation, to demonstration of theoretical formula deduction process, increase the interest of the course and arouse the enthusiasm of students learning, and improve the students' application ability. It has been proved that the teaching quality of digital signal processing based on MATLAB has been improved greatly.