It's graduation season and WKU kicked off its commencement ceremonies today with graduate student commencement.

Around 400 masters and doctoral candidates got their degrees from WKU today.

And it was a worldwide affair, the ceremony was streamed live online.

"It's very exciting to see this group of students who have worked so hard to receive their master's degree, some specialist degrees, and of course our doctoral students," said Freida Eggleton, WKU Registrar.

Today several students said the poor economy a few years ago was one of the reasons they went back to school.

"So after I graduated with my undergrad, I went ahead and applied for a few jobs and didn't get them. So, I came here did this, I never thought I could do it. So, it's a big accomplishment for me to say I got my masters. I'm the first one in the family to get it done," said graduate, Jason Weatherford.

And for some graduates it's to help out their family, but to also achieve life aspirations.

"I'm a single parent, and I wanted to go back to school to make mine and my son's life better. I just can't believe it's happening, I've always dreamed of this," said graduate, Dawn Bergin.

Despite the economy some have jobs and some are still hopeful, but for today it was all about the accomplishment.

Tomorrow will see the bulk of graduations at WKU this spring, 1,600 undergraduates will get their bachelor's degrees.