Linear Algebra with 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 Linear Algebra course via Distance Calculus @ Roger Williams University:

Linear Algebra Course

Multivariable Calculus & High School

After AP Calculus for High School Students

Linear Algebra course can best be described as a "first course in the study of Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory".

This course has many names, all being equivalent:

Linear Algebra
Matrix Theory
Linear Systems of Equations
Linear Spaces

Our Linear Algebra course differs from a classroom/textbook-based course in that we employ Mastery Learning so that you complete all assignments at 100% to assure competancy, as well as our curriculum shifting the course to a laboratory-style course, where theorem/lemma/proof type exposition is replaced by running experiments in Mathematica as you would in a science laboratory to empirically deduce the concepts and behaviors of Linear Algebra, both solvable (classically) via hand-based techiques, as well as studying Linear Algebra that can only be solved and investigated graphically and numerically using a computer. The Linear Algebra curriculum is highly visual and based upon observations of experiments run in Mathematica.

At Distance Calculus, we call our "Linear Algebra" course as Linear Algebra - DMAT 335 - 3 credits.

Below are some links for further information about the Linear Algebra course via Distance Calculus @ Roger Williams University.

Distance Calculus - Student Reviews

Mark L.★★★★★

Posted: Sep 6, 2020

Courses Completed: Applied Calculus

Great course. Because of this class I was able to meet the entry requirements for my EMBA program on a tight time window in addition to sharpening math skills from classes taken over 15 years ago!

Transferred Credits To: MIT

Bradley R.★★★★★

Posted: May 18, 2025

Courses Completed: Probability Theory

A great way to learn probability theory through visualizations, code, and math. Rather than just solving equations through pencil and paper, this course helped me to see how how probability distributions form and behavior through simulations and visuals. I would recommend this course to anyone looking for a way a more interactive way to learn mathematics and at their own pace.

Transferred Credits To: none yet

Janice Flores★★★★★

Posted: Jan 13, 2020

Courses Completed: Calculus II

I highly recommend this course! Dr. Curtis is the best teacher and is ALWAYS willing to work with you to make sure you understand the subject. It was definitely a positive experience and the credits were transferred to my University with no problems! I definitely do not regret it and I had doubts in the beginning but if I had to, I would do it all over again!

Email: jflores35@knights.ucf.edu

Transferred Credits To: University of Central Florida

John ★★★★★

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)

Trevor★★★★★

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.

Transferred Credits To: US Army

Taylor C.★★★★★

Posted: May 27, 2025

Courses Completed: Multivariable Calculus

Im a visual learner and had a difficult time understanding multivariable calculus my first go around, and found this course offered by Roger Williams University, which uses real-time 3d graphing of the equations. I would see my work be manipulating the models, which gave a robust understanding of what each variable did. absolutely loved the course and class recordings.

Transferred Credits To: Califorina Baptist University