Oh nice! I think it is usually 4-5 years. I don't think they want people staying longer than that! You will have to take courses for sure, it's a requirement! You might be able to get some of your credits recognized though..
I am interested in neuropsychology and sex offending, and personality traits of sex offenders and other violent offenders!
if you have any other questions send me a msg! Hope I can help!
I think that for the first year doctorate students they only give TAs. They prefer to give the RAs to more advanced students. Unless you have extended research experience. I am sure they would not mind discussing it then. Dr. Barnes is super cool and I also want to work with him! He works on some very specific topics at the moment as far as he told me, so you can email him and ask. Even if your assistantship is a TA I am sure he won't mind keeping you in mind for the future or including you. He is a really nice person, and I think it is worth emailing him.
If anyone admitted at UC has any questions (life in Cincinnati, how the school is, etc), my friends and I would be happy to help! We are currently in their MS program, and will begin the PhD program this Fall.