Online Degrees and CLEP and DSST Exam Prep Discussion
Questions about Calculus I and II, and Linear Algebra - Printable Version

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Questions about Calculus I and II, and Linear Algebra - tesu-acct-student - 04-07-2018

Hi all,

I had great success taking the CLEP College Algebra test (thanks to these forums). At that time I wanted to continue with the CLEP Pre-Calc but just got sick of it all. Since it wasn't required, I didn't do it.

Now, I am thinking about PhD programs in accounting. My school requires Calculus I, Calculus II (linear and differential) and Linear Algebra as part of their PhD program. They are not pre-reqs, but I'd love to get them done before applying (assuming I decide to apply). Three questions:

1) I would love to continue with the CLEPs through Calculus. Would that hamstring me at Calculus II, since I wouldn't have taken Calc I (and pre-calc) in a classroom?

2) Where does Linear Algebra fit into the math sequence?

3) In short, would it just be better for me to take all of these courses in a classroom (pre-calc, calc I and II, and linear algebra)?

Thank you!


RE: Questions about Calculus I and II, and Linear Algebra - Ideas - 04-07-2018

You can learn Calc I on your own. You would have to learn it pretty well if you want a good grade in Calc II. If you just want to barely pass Calc II, that's another story Smile

Linear Algebra is usually not taken until after Calc II, but some LA classes rely on Calculus knowledge a lot more than others. Basically, some have Calc as a prerequisite and some don't. I've seen some programs state that you need a Calculus-based LA, or they look at the description of the course to see if it was better LA.


RE: Questions about Calculus I and II, and Linear Algebra - ajs1976a - 04-07-2018

Depends on the Calc II class. If it starts with a short review of Calc I topics, you should be ok. If it dives right into Calc II topics, then you may have some issues.


RE: Questions about Calculus I and II, and Linear Algebra - MNomadic - 04-07-2018

I am also somewhat curious about this. I'm working on study.com calculus 1 right now(hopefully it goes well) but then I also need calc 2. Not sure where I will take it, though if I have to go through my school (tesu) or find an alternative credit provider for that. More than likely, I will need more advanced math afterwards for a graduate program.


RE: Questions about Calculus I and II, and Linear Algebra - Yenisei - 04-07-2018

You can take it at TESU, Straighterline, Wescott, or a community college (e.g., Oakton).

EDIT: I guess the doctoral programs in accounting require some programming, maybe for ERP systems or analytics. That's the only reason I can think of for requiring Calc II and LA.


RE: Questions about Calculus I and II, and Linear Algebra - tesu-acct-student - 04-07-2018

Related question: if I do the CLEPS, should I bank the CLEP credits at TESU? I'm not sure how that works for somebody who already graduated from there.


RE: Questions about Calculus I and II, and Linear Algebra - davewill - 04-07-2018

My feeling is that taking Calc I cemented my algebra skills. After that, I could simplify or solve any algebra or trig problem that could be thrown at me. I would be loath to skip that experience. I'd take Calc I and II at community college, if possible.


RE: Questions about Calculus I and II, and Linear Algebra - Zo_ey - 09-16-2019

Now that you have all this information, go through some calculus textbooks to get a feel for what you might need. Then talk to someone who has actually taken this course. This last suggestion you might not like - talk to someone who teaches it. Might also be hard, but that will give you great insight. It would not serve you to feel inadequate in Calc II. Also, the others might be older students who have taken Calc I and then come here. Remember not to miss the first few classes if you are taking Calc II directly. There might be some sort of Calc I overview which you might find helpful. Hope this helps.