Other schools give more leeway by allowing you to choose numerous electives. You can take complementary courses in a different department under combined degree programs. Normaly a Ph.D. is 4 to 8 years. Professional degrees may require 2 to 8 years of study. Certain programs require a language proficiency.
Students can gain valuable exposure from professors who are involved in research.
If you would like to work with certain professors, ask them about the grants they have received for their projects. The faculty's character is reflected in the schools they have attended and the degrees they have received. A diversified faculty exposes students to a variety of viewpoints. Students may receive more individual attention in a smaller classroom setting. The number of males, females, minorities, and foreign students will shape the class character.