<p>Yes, 10 years is too long. 7 years is also too long. There has to be a limit somewhere though.</p>
<p>I’d also like to point out that while yes, 7 years is common, using programs other than engineering is pretty much useless for comparison. Hard sciences like physics or chemistry would be reasonably similar, but in general, comparing PhD requirements from programs in engineering and the sciences to those outside those fields make little sense. The process is much different. Admittedly, I believe time limits are usually set down at a university level, so that part probably is the same.</p>