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

Samuel H.★★★★☆

Posted: Jun 2, 2021

Courses Completed: Linear Algebra

Nothing but praise for Dr. Curtis. He's an excellent professor who is very responsive and knowledgeable. I did this course at night while working full-time, and I often skyped him late in the evening with questions. He never took long to respond, regardless of when it was. I finished this course in about a month and a half, and I worked for it. For those looking for an easy A, this is not it. You will have to put in serious work, but you will come out of the course with a good understanding of the material, especially if you apply yourself throughout the entirety of the course.

Email: samuel.howell@g.fmarion.edu

Transferred Credits To: Francis Marion University

Rebecca Johnson★★★★★

Posted: Feb 19, 2020

Courses Completed: Applied Calculus

I took the Business Calculus course from Distance Calculus in 2013. I was admitted to my MBA program, but then they told me I needed to take Calculus before starting the program. I finished the Business Calculus course in about 3 weeks in August before my program started. Not the most fun thing to do over the summer, but at least I got it done. Thanks Diane and Distance Calculus team!

Transferred Credits To: Kellogg MBA Program

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

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