Data Science Math Preparation - Distance Calculus Information from Distance Calculus
Data Science can best be described as a "a cross between a programmer and a mathematician/statistician".
This topic has many names, all being equivalent:
If you wish to become a Data Scientist, you will need to develop both strong programming skills, and have a very strong mathematics background.
Distance Calculus @ Roger Williams University can help prepare you for a study of Data Science - either for a degree in Data Science or perhaps a certificate - by helping you complete the core mathematics courses necessary for starting a Data Science degree or certificate.
There are no short-cuts you can do with going into Data Science. You just can't learn Python and then pretend you are a Data Scientist because you watch a few videos on running data sets through Python! You NEED a very strong mathematics background that includes ALL of the following courses:
This topic has many names, all being equivalent:
- Data Science
- Applied Statistics
- Programmer+Mathematician
- Big Data
If you wish to become a Data Scientist, you will need to develop both strong programming skills, and have a very strong mathematics background.
Distance Calculus @ Roger Williams University can help prepare you for a study of Data Science - either for a degree in Data Science or perhaps a certificate - by helping you complete the core mathematics courses necessary for starting a Data Science degree or certificate.
There are no short-cuts you can do with going into Data Science. You just can't learn Python and then pretend you are a Data Scientist because you watch a few videos on running data sets through Python! You NEED a very strong mathematics background that includes ALL of the following courses:
- DMAT 253 - Calculus I - 4 credits
- DMAT 263 - Calculus II - 4 credits
- DMAT 355 - Multivariable Calculus - 4 credits
- DMAT 321 - Differential Equations - 3 credits
- DMAT 335 - Linear Algebra - 3 credits
- DMAT 311 - Probability Theory - 3 credits
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Distance Calculus - Student Reviews
Posted: May 5, 2025
Excellent course that you can take at your own pace. The instructor is excellent and I was able to get my questions answered quickly and complete this for an EMBA prerequisite. I would recommend this course to anyone trying to learn basics of calculus on their own timeline. The class prepared me well for my coursework at MIT.
Transferred Credits To: MIT
Posted: Jan 12, 2020
Courses Completed: Calculus I, Calculus II, Multivariable Calculus
Curriculum was high quality and allowed student to experiment with concepts which resulted in an enjoyable experience. Assignment Feedback was timely and meaningful.
Posted: Dec 20, 2019
Courses Completed: Calculus I, Calculus II, Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra
I took the whole calculus series and Linear Algebra via Distance Calculus. Dr. Curtis spent countless hours messaging back and forth with me, answering every question, no matter how trivial they might seem. Dr. Curtis is extremely responsive, especially if the student is curious and is willing to work hard. I don't think I ever waited much more than a day for Dr. Curtis to get a notebook back to me. Dr. Curtis would also make videos of concepts if I was really lost.
The course materials are fantastic. If you are a student sitting on the fence, trying to decide between a normal classroom class or Distance Calculus classes with Livemath and Mathematica, my choice would be the Distance Calculus classes every time. The Distance Calculus classes are more engaging. The visual aspects of the class notebooks are awesome. You get the hand calculation skills you need.
The best summary I can give is to say, given the opportunity, I would put my own son's math education in Dr. Curtis's hands.
The course materials are fantastic. If you are a student sitting on the fence, trying to decide between a normal classroom class or Distance Calculus classes with Livemath and Mathematica, my choice would be the Distance Calculus classes every time. The Distance Calculus classes are more engaging. The visual aspects of the class notebooks are awesome. You get the hand calculation skills you need.
The best summary I can give is to say, given the opportunity, I would put my own son's math education in Dr. Curtis's hands.
Transferred Credits To: None
Posted: Feb 8, 2026
Courses Completed: Precalculus, Calculus I
The courses were excellent. Very flexible and engaging and the platform offers a lot of upper-level courses. Dr. Curtis is an outstanding professor and very responsive. I would take again.
Transferred Credits To: None yet
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: Dec 18, 2025
Courses Completed: Differential Equations
Transferred Credits To: Saint Joseph High School
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