Do You Need Multivariable Calculus Before Linear Algebra - Distance Calculus

Short answer: No, you do not need to take Multivariable Calculus before you take Linear Algebra.

You may take these course concurrently. They do not share any course material at all.

We recommend to students that they consider completing Multivariable Calculus first, then engaging Linear Algebra, but it is not at all necessary to complete these courses in that order. Many students find great success by taking both courses together, or taking Linear Algebra first, then completing Multivariable Calculus.

Some students appreciate the "cognitive break" that Linear Algebra provides from the study of calculus, and returing to Multivariable Calculus after completing Linear Algebra is sometimes a nice walk through the sophomore level subjects.
Here are some videos to explore our Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra courses.

Linear Algebra Course Introduction

Multivariable Course

Calculus 2 Introduction

Multivariable Calculus course can best be described as a "the first semester course of Differential and Integral Calculus to functions of many variables".

This course has many names, all being equivalent:

Calculus III
Calculus IV
Vector Calculus
Calculus of Many Variables
Calculus of Several Variables

At Distance Calculus, we call our "Multivariable Calculus" course as Multivariable Calculus - DMAT 355 - 4 credits.

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

Distance Calculus - Student Reviews

Rebecca M.★★★★★

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

Genevieve P.★★★★★

Posted: Sep 20, 2020

Courses Completed: Applied Calculus

I found out from my grad school after being accepted that I needed a Calculus course before starting their MBA program. I had less than 6 weeks to do it (and as a non-STEM undergrad no less). The video lectures were informative, the pre-calc refresher was great to get re-conditioned, and the asynchronous format worked so well as I did this at night/weekends after work. I completed it in 4 weeks. Professor Curtis was extremely responsive, graded assignments quickly, and a supportive guide providing constructive feedback to me to excel at the assignments. I highly recommend this course for those who need a pre-req in a hurry or like learning on their own schedule. Thanks, Distance Calculus and Professor Curtis!

Transferred Credits To: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Hannah J.★★★★★

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

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