Calculus-Based Statistics with Calculus 2 Prerequisite
What are the course prerequisites for Calculus-Based Statistics = Probability Theory?The only prerequisite for Calculus-Based Statistics is: Calculus II (Calculus 2) (and recommended Multivariable Calculus!)
As the name suggests, this is not the lower "baby statistics" course without Calculus. You need a very firm understanding of differential and integral Calculus to be able to engage Probability Theory.
Most of the topics in Probability Theory course are also found in the lower Statistics course, but the higher Probability Theory course uses derivatives and integrals to analyze the probability and statistics concepts and computations.
Multivariable Calculus is a good idea before Probability Theory, because some topics in Probability Theory use partial derivatives and multiple integrals - topics in Multivariable Calculus. While Multivariable Calculus is recommended, it is not required - learning these two differential and integral calculus constructions is not that difficult in the context of Probability Theory topics. So we keep Multivariable Calculus as a recommended course only.
So, for those students wishing to get ahead and get Probability Theory in their completed column in their academic plan, you do need to complete Calculus II first, which means also completing Calculus I first.
Here is a video about our Probability Theory course via Distance Calculus @ Roger Williams University:
Probability Theory Course
Multivariable Calculus & High School
After AP Calculus for High School Students
Calculus-Based Statistics course can best be described as a "first course in the study of Statistics and Probablity Theory using Calculus".
This course has many names, all being equivalent:
Our Probability Theory course differs from a classroom/textbook-based course in that we employ Mastery Learning so that you complete all assignments at 100% to assure competancy, as well as our curriculum shifting the course to a laboratory-style course, where theorem/lemma/proof type exposition is replaced by running experiments in Mathematica as you would in a science laboratory to empirically deduce the concepts and behaviors of Probability Theory, both solvable (classically) via hand-based techiques, as well as studying Probability Theory that can only be solved and investigated graphically and numerically using a computer. The Probability Theory curriculum is highly visual and based upon observations of experiments run in Mathematica or LiveMath.
At Distance Calculus, we call our "Calculus-Based Statistics" course as Probability Theory - DMAT 311 - 3 credits.
Below are some links for further information about the Calculus-Based Statistics course via Distance Calculus @ Roger Williams University.
This course has many names, all being equivalent:
- Probablity Theory
- Calculus-Based Statistics
- Second Course in Statistics for STEM
Our Probability Theory course differs from a classroom/textbook-based course in that we employ Mastery Learning so that you complete all assignments at 100% to assure competancy, as well as our curriculum shifting the course to a laboratory-style course, where theorem/lemma/proof type exposition is replaced by running experiments in Mathematica as you would in a science laboratory to empirically deduce the concepts and behaviors of Probability Theory, both solvable (classically) via hand-based techiques, as well as studying Probability Theory that can only be solved and investigated graphically and numerically using a computer. The Probability Theory curriculum is highly visual and based upon observations of experiments run in Mathematica or LiveMath.
At Distance Calculus, we call our "Calculus-Based Statistics" course as Probability Theory - DMAT 311 - 3 credits.
Below are some links for further information about the Calculus-Based Statistics course via Distance Calculus @ Roger Williams University.
- Calculus-Based Statistics Online Course For Credit Start Immediately
- Calculus-Based Statistics Quick Online Course For Credit Start Immediately
- Calculus-Based Statistics Summer 2026 Online Course
- Calculus-Based Statistics Winter 2026 Online Course
- Calculus-Based Statistics Winter Course
- Calculus-Based Statistics Spring Course
- Calculus-Based Statistics Fall 2026 Online Course
- Calculus-Based Statistics Online Accredited
Distance Calculus - Student Reviews
Posted: May 17, 2025
Courses Completed: Applied Calculus
I truly loved this class—it's one of the most enjoyable math courses I’ve ever taken.
Pros:
-- Exceptional Instruction and Support: Dr. Curtis was incredibly responsive and helpful whenever I had questions. The TA was also very supportive, and thanks to their guidance, I was proud to earn a 100% in the course—even without having taken pre-calculus beforehand.
-- Innovative Software Platform: The custom software used in the course made a huge difference for me. I found it intuitive and engaging, and it helped reinforce the concepts in a way traditional textbooks never did.
-- Thorough, Rigorous Curriculum: The structure of the course really pushed me to stay organized and plan ahead. I felt like I was being challenged in all the right ways.
Potential Considerations for Others:
-- Requires Strong Time Management: If you haven’t taken pre-calc, like me, you’ll need to be extra proactive. The course can move quickly if you need, and pacing yourself is essential.
-- Software Learning Curve: While I personally loved the software, students who aren’t comfortable adapting to new digital tools might need a bit of extra time upfront to get used to it.
-- Helpful to Have Supplementary Resources: One improvement might be to offer a short list of "starter resources" (videos, concept overviews, etc.) for students who need a broader intro to calculus before diving in.
Overall, I highly recommend this course to motivated students, especially those comfortable with self-paced learning and open to using new tools. Dr. Curtis is a fantastic instructor, and the course setup really works.
Pros:
-- Exceptional Instruction and Support: Dr. Curtis was incredibly responsive and helpful whenever I had questions. The TA was also very supportive, and thanks to their guidance, I was proud to earn a 100% in the course—even without having taken pre-calculus beforehand.
-- Innovative Software Platform: The custom software used in the course made a huge difference for me. I found it intuitive and engaging, and it helped reinforce the concepts in a way traditional textbooks never did.
-- Thorough, Rigorous Curriculum: The structure of the course really pushed me to stay organized and plan ahead. I felt like I was being challenged in all the right ways.
Potential Considerations for Others:
-- Requires Strong Time Management: If you haven’t taken pre-calc, like me, you’ll need to be extra proactive. The course can move quickly if you need, and pacing yourself is essential.
-- Software Learning Curve: While I personally loved the software, students who aren’t comfortable adapting to new digital tools might need a bit of extra time upfront to get used to it.
-- Helpful to Have Supplementary Resources: One improvement might be to offer a short list of "starter resources" (videos, concept overviews, etc.) for students who need a broader intro to calculus before diving in.
Overall, I highly recommend this course to motivated students, especially those comfortable with self-paced learning and open to using new tools. Dr. Curtis is a fantastic instructor, and the course setup really works.
Transferred Credits To: MIT
Posted: Jan 28, 2026
Courses Completed: Calculus I
After two failed attempts at my university, this course helped me understand Calculus. The live maths tool along with Dr. Curtis were especially helpful, allowing me to visualize concepts and expand my understanding. The explanations were clear, the examples practical, and I could learn at my own pace, which built my confidence. Thank you.
Transferred Credits To: University of Namibia
Posted: May 17, 2025
Courses Completed: Calculus I
This Calculus class saved my life! I needed to take this class to be able to secure a spot in my grad school program, and this was perfect for me - super flexible to my schedule, the teaching was great, and the material was super clear.
I felt like I really learned Calculus and also really enjoyed it!
I felt like I really learned Calculus and also really enjoyed it!
Posted: Dec 18, 2025
Courses Completed: Differential Equations
Transferred Credits To: Saint Joseph High School
Posted: Nov 20, 2025
Courses Completed: Precalculus, Applied Calculus
Great course. Professor Curtis and the TAs graded quickly and gave really helpful feedback that made the class feel smooth and manageable. Definitely recommend it.
Transferred Credits To: Binghamton University (School of Managment)
Posted: Jun 19, 2025
Courses Completed: Calculus I
POSITIVES:
One of the best math classes I have ever taken. The lessons made the failures of my previous professors very apparent. In a few short minutes, things that I used to struggle with just clicked. This professor is top notch and really wants you to understand how to use the material.
NEGATIVES:
The SOFTWARE is extremely frustrating. Even after taking the time to learn, there are countless glitches. You learn to work around them, and overall, the software makes the math convenient, but its failures are sorely felt throughout the course. Make sure you save often as it crashes regularly, especially with graphs.
The assignments are easy enough but some of them don't line up with the taught material. Be prepared to do some of your own independent research to get a deeper understanding of why things are the way they are.
One of the best math classes I have ever taken. The lessons made the failures of my previous professors very apparent. In a few short minutes, things that I used to struggle with just clicked. This professor is top notch and really wants you to understand how to use the material.
NEGATIVES:
The SOFTWARE is extremely frustrating. Even after taking the time to learn, there are countless glitches. You learn to work around them, and overall, the software makes the math convenient, but its failures are sorely felt throughout the course. Make sure you save often as it crashes regularly, especially with graphs.
The assignments are easy enough but some of them don't line up with the taught material. Be prepared to do some of your own independent research to get a deeper understanding of why things are the way they are.
Transferred Credits To: US Army
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