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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

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
Louisa A.★★★★★
Posted: Dec 9, 2019
Courses Completed: Calculus I
My microeconomics class required college-level calculus as a prerequisite, and I didn't want to wait until next year to take the class. So, I took DC's Calculus I class over the summer, so I could register for econ when I got back to school this fall. I actually think I got more help taking the class online than I would have in the huge lecture classes here. Prof. Curtis was really clear in explaining concepts and talking me through the topics that I was having trouble with. It took me about 10 weeks to finish the class, which didn't seem too long and didn't feel rushed. My friends who are in calculus now, trying to finish the prereq, are pretty jealous!
Paul Simmons★★★★★
Posted: Apr 6, 2020
Courses Completed: Multivariable Calculus, Differential Equations
I took Multivariable and Diff Eq during the summer. The DiffEq course was awesome - very useful for my physics and engineering course. I was unsure about Mathematica at first, but I got the hang of it quickly. Thank you Distance Calculus!
Transferred Credits To: University of Oregon
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
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