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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

Jenny Zuercher★★★★
Posted: May 18, 2025
Courses Completed: Precalculus, Calculus II
Dr. Curtis's courses are very difficult, but they are definitely worth it! I took Calculus 2 from Dr. Curtis in my senior year of high school and went into a combined Calculus 2 and Calculus 3 course my first year of college. This course prepared me, and I found that I already knew much of the Calculus 3 coursework. The most difficult part of these courses, in my opinion, is pacing yourself. If you can keep yourself on track, then you are all good to go!
Email: jenz2.home@icloud.com
Transferred Credits To: University of Iowa
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
Dorota M.★★★★★
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
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
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