Data Science - Math Preparation - Distance Calculus Information from Distance Calculus

Preparation for Data Science can best be described as a "a cross between a mathematician/statistician and a programmer ".

This topic has many names, all being equivalent:

Applied Statistics
Data Science
Big Data
Programmer+Mathematician

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.

If you wish to become a Data Scientist, you will need to develop both strong programming skills, and have a very strong mathematics background.

There are no short-cuts for Data Science. You just can't learn Python and then pretend you are a Data Scientist because you watched a few videos on running data sets through Python! You NEED a very strong mathematics background that includes ALL of the following courses:

Distance Calculus - Student Reviews

Jessica M.★★★★★

Posted: Feb 25, 2020

Courses Completed: Applied Calculus

I highly recommend this course. I started the Kennedy School at Harvard with a last-minute admission, but my application required the Liberal Arts calculus course, so I had to finish the course in 3 weeks. Diane was an awesome instructor! The class was surprisingly interesting. If you need to take calculus fast, this is the program to use.

Transferred Credits To: Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University

Paul Simmons★★★★★

Posted: Apr 6, 2020

Courses Completed: Multivariable Calculus, Differential Equations

I took Multivariable and Diff Eq during the summer. The DiffEq course was awesome - very useful for my physics and engineering course. I was unsure about Mathematica at first, but I got the hang of it quickly. Thank you Distance Calculus!

Transferred Credits To: University of Oregon

Douglas Z.★★★★★

Posted: Jun 6, 2020

Courses Completed: Multivariable Calculus, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Probability Theory

I loved these courses. So in depth and comprehensive. The mix of software and math curriculum was tremendously helpful to my future studies and career in engineering. I highly recommend these courses if you are bored of textbook courses.

Transferred Credits To: University of Massachusetts, Amherst

M M.★★★★★

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

Tanja B.★★★★★

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

Henry F.★★★★★

Posted: Dec 18, 2025

Courses Completed: Differential Equations

Transferred Credits To: Saint Joseph High School