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

Dorota M.★★★★★

Posted: May 5, 2025

Excellent course that you can take at your own pace. The instructor is excellent and I was able to get my questions answered quickly and complete this for an EMBA prerequisite. I would recommend this course to anyone trying to learn basics of calculus on their own timeline. The class prepared me well for my coursework at MIT.

Transferred Credits To: MIT

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

Daniel Marasco★★★★★

Posted: Jan 13, 2020

Courses Completed: Multivariable Calculus

This course was more affordable than many, and the flexible format was terrific for me, as I am inclined to work very diligently on tasks on my own. It could be dangerous for a person who requires external discipline more, but it works well for self-starters, allowing you to prioritize when you have other pressing work. I was a full time teacher adding a math certification, and this course allowed me to master the math while working around my teaching schedule and fitting work into moments here and there when I had time. I was able to transfer the credits to Montana State University, Bozeman for my teaching internship program without a hitch. The instructors were all very helpful and patient, even when I failed to see a ridiculously simple solution on one problem after 20 emails back and forth. Overall, I was more pleased with my experience in this class than I was with any of my other 9 courses.

Transferred Credits To: Montana State University, Bozeman

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