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:
  • 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.






Distance Calculus - Student Reviews

Michael Linton★★★★★
Posted: Jul 25, 2020
Courses Completed: Calculus I
Amazing professor, extremely helpful and graded assignments quickly. To any Cornellians out there, this is the Calculus Course to take in Summer to fulfill your reqs! I would definitely take more Calculus Classes this way in the future!
Email: mdl264@cornell.edu
Transferred Credits To: Cornell University
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
Teddy M.★★★★
Posted: Feb 28, 2020
Courses Completed: Precalculus, Calculus I
Pros: once you get going, you can go really fast. The visual textbook is pretty cool. The instructors were very responsive.
Cons: the movies are great, but the software crashes more than it should. Sometimes it is just a hassle doing things in the software instead of on paper, but once I got used to the software, it was ok.
Transferred Credits To: Texas Christian University
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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