Math 365 Β· 4 credits Β· NCCRS
Calculus 3
Vectors in space, partial derivatives, multiple integrals and vector calculus.
Home › Courses › What comes after Calculus 3?
After Math 365Next math coursesCalculus 3: NCCRS recommended
What comes after Calculus 3? Linear Algebra and Differential Equations
After Calculus 3, the next math courses are typically Linear Algebra and Differential Equations. Calculus 3 is often not required for them: the Texas common course descriptions list Calculus II as the prerequisite for both, so many students take them alongside or after Calculus 3. UPI Study teaches Calculus 1, 2 and 3 but does not offer Linear Algebra or Differential Equations, so plan to take those at a college.
Often next
Linear Algebra
Vector spaces, systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, linear transformations and eigenvalues.
Not offered at UPI Study.
Often next
Differential Equations
Ordinary differential equations, systems, series solutions, transform methods and boundary value problems.
Not offered at UPI Study.
- Usual prerequisite
- Calculus II for both
- At UPI Study
- Calculus 1, 2 and 3
- Not offered here
- Linear Algebra, Differential Equations
What you learn
What each course covers, from the Texas common course descriptions and the Math 365 syllabus.
Calculus 3
- Vectors in space
- Partial derivatives
- Multiple integrals
- Vector calculus
Linear Algebra
- Vector spaces
- Systems of linear equations
- Matrices and determinants
- Eigenvalues and eigenvectors
Differential Equations
- Ordinary differential equations
- Systems of equations
- Series solutions
- Boundary value problems
Side by side
| Calculus 3 | Linear Algebra | Differential Equations | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prerequisite in Texas | Calculus II | Calculus II | Calculus II |
| Prerequisite at MIT | Calculus I (18.02) | Calculus II (18.06) | Calculus II at the same time (18.03) |
| UT Dallas sample plan | First year | Second year, fall | Second year, spring |
| At UPI Study | Math 365, self-paced | Not offered | Not offered |
Calculus 2 (Math 265) has one introductory chapter on differential equations, 5 hours, but it is not a Differential Equations course. UT Dallas says of its plan: "This is an example only."
Which should you take next?
Linear Algebra next if
- Your degree plan lists it next
- You have passed Calculus 2, the usual prerequisite
- You can take it at your college
Differential Equations next if
- Your degree plan lists it next
- You have passed Calculus 2; some colleges ask for Linear Algebra too
- You can take it at your college
Still need Calculus 3?
- Math 365 is self-paced and online
- Its syllabus lists Calculus 1 and 2 first
- We also teach Discrete Mathematics
Questions, answered
Do I need Calculus 3 before Linear Algebra?
Often not. The Texas common course description for Linear Algebra lists Calculus II as the prerequisite, and so does MIT's catalog for 18.06 Linear Algebra. Check your own college's catalog.
Do I need Calculus 3 before Differential Equations?
Calculus II is the usual prerequisite: the Texas common course description lists it, and MIT asks for Calculus II at the same time. Some colleges ask for more: UT Dallas asks for its several-variable calculus course and Linear Algebra first.
Does UPI Study offer Linear Algebra or Differential Equations?
No. We teach Calculus 1, 2 and 3 and Discrete Mathematics. Calculus 2 includes one introductory chapter on differential equations (5 instructional hours), but it is not a Differential Equations course.
Will my college accept Calculus 3 from UPI Study?
ACE and NCCRS have over 2,100 cooperating colleges that will consider accepting credits; the final decision is with the universities. Search your school in Find My College and ask your registrar which course Math 365 would count as.
Where these credits can go
ACE and NCCRS have over 2,100 cooperating colleges that will consider accepting credits; the final decision is with the universities.
Plus many more partner colleges and ACE and NCCRS cooperating colleges.
Find My College →Keep exploring
- Calculus 3 course pageLessons and syllabus
- Calculus 3 for credit: every routeExams, colleges, online
- Calculus 2 vs Calculus 3Compare
Check your college first
ACE and NCCRS have over 2,100 cooperating colleges that will consider accepting credits; the final decision is with the universities.
Sources (7)
- Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board: Lower-Division Academic Course Guide Manual (MATH 2415, 2318, 2320) https://reportcenter.highered.texas.gov/training-materials/lower-division-academic-course-guide-spring-21/
- MIT course catalog: Mathematics (18.02, 18.03, 18.06) https://catalog.mit.edu/subjects/18/
- UT Dallas: Mathematics B.S., sample four-year plan https://catalog.utdallas.edu/2026/undergraduate/programs/nsm/mathematics/four-year-bs
- UT Dallas: MATH 2420 Differential Equations with Applications https://catalog.utdallas.edu/2026/undergraduate/courses/math2420
- NCCRS: UPI Study, Inc. (every course and its credit recommendation) https://www.nationalccrs.org/organizations/upi-study-inc
- UPI Study: Calculus 3 syllabus (PDF) https://www.upistudy.com/syllabus/calculus-3.pdf
- UPI Study: Calculus 2 syllabus (PDF) https://www.upistudy.com/syllabus/calculus2.pdf
- NCCRS: UPI Study's credit recommendations https://www.nationalccrs.org/organizations/upi-study-inc
UPI Study facts are from our course catalog, syllabi and course rules.