Calculus 2 vs Multivariable Calculus - Distance Calculus

Calculus 2 (Calculus II) and Multvariable Calculus are two completely different courses.

Calculus 2 is the last half of the freshman calculus sequence, and is concerned primarily with integration theory - finishing up the course with sequences and series, which ultimately are used to integrate functions that cannot be integrated "in finite terms" algebraically, so infinite polynomials are introduced as a way to approximate functions (and their integrals) algebraically.

Multivariable Calculus is the generalization of 1-variable calculus (Calculus I and II) to multiple variables. Calculus I and II is concerned with the calculus of functions of a single variable: f(x), where as Multivariable Calculus is exploring the calculus of functions of 2 or more variables: f(x,y).

So, these two courses are completely different. You do need to finish Calculus II before engaging the Multvariable Calculus course.

Here are some videos to explore our Multivariable Calculus and Calculus 2 courses.

Multivariable Calculus & High School

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

I.★★★☆☆

Posted: May 5, 2025

Courses Completed: Calculus II

The course material was well explained through the videos and notebooks, and it was nice to receive feedback on each assignment and correct any mistakes. However, the software required for the course was ridiculously outdated, to the point where I had to reinstall a very old operating system on my computer to even be able to run it. It was annoying and tedious to use, and it sometimes crashed. The graders were also sometimes overly picky about the way that concepts had to be explained to be considered correct (specific wording, etc), but it wasn’t too bad. Having multiple final exams seemed a bit excessive but again was not too bad. Overall, the main strength of this course is that it is completely asynchronous and self-paced, so I do recommend it if that is the most important factor to you. You will learn all of the material thoroughly, but you must be willing to deal with the more annoying aspects of the course (primarily the outdated technology).

William Williams★★★★★

Posted: Jan 19, 2020

Courses Completed: Linear Algebra, Probability Theory

I have difficulty learning calculus based math, akin to dyslexia when examining the symbolic forms, equations, definitions, and problems. Mathematica based calculus courses allowed me to continue with my studies because of the option of seeing the math expressed as a programming language for which I have no difficulty in interpreting visually and the immediate feedback of graphical representations of functions, equations, or data makes a huge impact on understanding. Mathematica based calculus courses should be the default method of teaching Calculus everywhere.

Email: wf.williamster@gmail.com

Transferred Credits To: Thomas Edison State College

Sean Metzger★★★★★

Posted: Aug 23, 2020

Courses Completed: Differential Equations

A lifesaver. When I found out I needed a course done in the last weeks of summer I thought there was no way i'd find one available, but this let me complete the course as quickly as I needed to while still mastering the topics. Professor always got back to me very quickly and got my assignments back to me the next day or day of. Can't recommend this course enough for students in a hurry or who just want to learn at their own pace.

Email: seanmetzger78@gmail.com

Transferred Credits To: Missouri University of Science and Technology

Henry F.★★★★★

Posted: Dec 18, 2025

Courses Completed: Differential Equations

Transferred Credits To: Saint Joseph High School

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