The field of quantum coherent control, initially formulated with the goal of modifying and manipulating molecular systems, has had a number of applications in atomic and molecular spectroscopy in recent years. This review demonstrates how carefully designed femtosecond pulses could be used to enhance resolution and improve detection in several areas of nonlinear spectroscopy. The two effects that are most intensively studied in this context are two-photon absorption and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering. This article discusses the principles of the control of such processes and several possible applications in microscopy and remote sensing.