Linear Matrix Algebra: Calculus 2 Prerequisite
What are the course prerequisites for Linear Algebra?The only prerequisite for Linear Algebra is: Calculus II (Calculus 2)
Some students are a bit confused by this requirement. Does Linear Algebra do more integration theory from Calculus 2?
No, Linear Algebra turns out to be a completely different subject than is Calculus 2. So why is Calculus 2 the prerequisite?
In Math Education, the reason is explained as to requiring a "mathematical maturity" of the student enrolling in Linear Algebra. While Linear Algebra does not continue the student of integral calculus, per se, it is a conceptually more difficult subject that is not easily engaged by younger students, especially those those who have not completed the freshman calculus sequence of Calculus I and Calculus II.
So, for those students wishing to get ahead and get Linear Algebra in their completed column in their academic plan, you do need to complete Calculus II first, which means also completing Calculus I first, even though Linear Algebra has nothing to do with either course.
Here is a video about our DMAT 311 - Linear Algebra course via Distance Calculus @ Roger Williams University:
Linear Algebra Course - DMAT 311
Multivariable Calculus & High School
After AP Calculus for High School Students
Online Linear Matrix Algebra course can best be described as a "first course in the study of elementary Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory".
This course has many names, all being equivalent:
Distance Linear Algebra via Distance Calculus is a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT course from a traditional textbook/lecture classroom course.
Distance Linear Algebra is taught via an experimentation-based curriculum using Mathematica, earning real academic credits through Roger Williams University in Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
Distance Linear Algebra is similar to a Computational Linear Algebra course in some ways, but not exactly the same. A Computational Linear Algebra course will look at developing the computational engines that attack the structures of linear algebra; our Distance Linear Algebra simply uses those computational softwares like Mathematica as a laboratory tool, to unlock the concepts and theorems at work in Linear Algebra from a very graphical, geometric, and inquisitive approach.
In contrast, many classroom/textbook Linear Algebra courses are taught mainly the same way they were taught 100 years ago - the small breadbasket of calculations you can complete by hand on paper, and where the theory of linear algebra leads you. As such, the calculations you can complete youself are quite limited, although proponents of this approach feel you "really know linear algebra" because you have to do the (often hard and tedious) computing yourself by hand.
We invite you to investigate the Distance Linear Algebra course via Distance Calculus either via the menu to the left, or the additional links below.
At Distance Calculus, we call our "Online Linear Matrix Algebra" course as Linear Algebra - DMAT 335 - 3 credits.
Below are some links for further information about the Online Linear Matrix Algebra course via Distance Calculus @ Roger Williams University.
This course has many names, all being equivalent:
- Linear Algebra
- Matrix Theory
- Linear Systems of Equations
- Linear Spaces
- Elementary Linear Algebra
- Computational Linear Algebra
Distance Linear Algebra via Distance Calculus is a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT course from a traditional textbook/lecture classroom course.
Distance Linear Algebra is taught via an experimentation-based curriculum using Mathematica, earning real academic credits through Roger Williams University in Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
Distance Linear Algebra is similar to a Computational Linear Algebra course in some ways, but not exactly the same. A Computational Linear Algebra course will look at developing the computational engines that attack the structures of linear algebra; our Distance Linear Algebra simply uses those computational softwares like Mathematica as a laboratory tool, to unlock the concepts and theorems at work in Linear Algebra from a very graphical, geometric, and inquisitive approach.
In contrast, many classroom/textbook Linear Algebra courses are taught mainly the same way they were taught 100 years ago - the small breadbasket of calculations you can complete by hand on paper, and where the theory of linear algebra leads you. As such, the calculations you can complete youself are quite limited, although proponents of this approach feel you "really know linear algebra" because you have to do the (often hard and tedious) computing yourself by hand.
We invite you to investigate the Distance Linear Algebra course via Distance Calculus either via the menu to the left, or the additional links below.
At Distance Calculus, we call our "Online Linear Matrix Algebra" course as Linear Algebra - DMAT 335 - 3 credits.
Below are some links for further information about the Online Linear Matrix Algebra course via Distance Calculus @ Roger Williams University.
- Online Linear Matrix Algebra Online Course For Credit Start Today, Finish Quickly
- Online Linear Matrix Algebra Summer 2026 Online Course
- Online Linear Matrix Algebra Winter 2026 Online Course
- Online Linear Matrix Algebra Fall 2026 Online Course
- Online Linear Matrix Algebra Online Accredited
Distance Calculus - Student Reviews
Posted: Apr 30, 2020
Courses Completed: Probability Theory
Probability Theory was a great course. Very very thorough. I thought it would never end :). I was very prepared for my coursework in economics. Excellent refereshher of derivatives and integrals - really forced me to remember that stuff from freshman cal.
Transferred Credits To: Boston University
Posted: Mar 17, 2020
Courses Completed: Calculus II, Multivariable Calculus
Fantastic courses! I barely made it through Cal 1, and halfway through Cal 2 I found this program. I took Cal 2 and then Multivariable and I just loved it! SOOOOOOO much better than a classroom+textbook class. I highly recommend!
Transferred Credits To: Tulane University
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
Course Information
Frequent Questions
