What happens during graduate school for an archaeologist?

Dr. dig responds:
Well, it will depend a great deal on the individual graduate school. Most graduate students in archaeology have to write a Master's thesis, or if they continue their studies in order to earn a Ph.D. they must also write a longer piece of individual research, called a dissertation, which is usually the length of a book.

Graduate students must take advanced courses in archaeology, ancient and modern languages, history, and other subjects in their field of speciality. They must pass language exams, do research, write papers, teach beginning undergraduate classes, and probably hold a part or possibly even a full-time job as well to cover their living expenses and tuition.

I'm just glad that I was a graduate student only once!