PhD Duration?

[nushi]

Hi guys 

Do you know how long it takes to complete a PhD program in the US? And in Canada? Do both have the same duration, or is one longer than the other?

P.S.: I already hold a Master's in Political Science, but am still hesitant between applying to Sociology or Political Science PhD.

[fuzzylogician]

Averages vary. In the US, the stated length of most programs is 5 years, but there is lots of variation here -- if you google this you'll find averages that are much longer, especially in some Humanities and Social Sciences. An equally important question to ask is how many years of funding one gets; for that, the answer more uniformly is "5 years", in many cases. In Canada programs could be shorter if you already have an MA (e.g. only three years, again with variation). This is really something to check specifically with programs that you are interested in. 

[nushi]

Thank you fuzzylogician for your answer. I will certainly check with the programs...