“As a veteran, I understand the challenges that come with transitioning from military service to academic life. There are moments of uncertainty, self-doubt, and adjustments that can feel overwhelming without the right support”
For most people, balancing a demanding career with graduate school is challenging enough, but add in national security responsibilities, threat assessments, and managing a team of security personnel, and the task becomes even more challenging. That’s exactly what U.S. Air Force Security Forces Leader Technical Sergeant (TSgt.) Ivan Ramirez accomplished while earning a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from USC Bovard College.
Even with a decade of successful military service, Ramirez still had a desire to expand his understanding of the broader criminal justice system, particularly in policy development, corrections, and community policing strategies used in civilian contexts.
More Than Military Police
As a Security Forces leader, Ramirez’s role oversees law enforcement, antiterrorism, and integrated defense operations on and off military installations, describing their role as uniquely positioned between two worlds. “We’re not just military police,” Ramirez explained, “My team and I approach our duties with a dual mindset—protecting national security assets while safeguarding the people in our communities.”
When asked about the most rewarding aspect of his work, Ramirez’s answer was immediate:
Knowing that their team’s actions directly impact lives and mission success. “Whether it’s preventing a threat, responding to an emergency, or mentoring new Airmen, all of it matters,” they said. “There’s something profound about being part of a team that stands between danger and the people we’re protecting.”
While his day-to-day responsibilities mirror civilian law enforcement—enforcing laws, responding to incidents, investigating crimes, and ensuring public safety—they also integrate military readiness and force protection into every operation. It’s this intersection that ultimately drove him to pursue advanced education.
“I wanted to bridge military law enforcement practices with civilian criminal justice frameworks.”
Recognizing the Gap
Ramirez’s commitment to excellence drove his desire for higher education. “My goal was to
enhance interagency cooperation, and I knew I needed deeper knowledge to do that effectively.”
After researching various programs, Ramirez found that “USC stood out for its emphasis on leadership, policy application, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The faculty’s professional experience and the program’s reputation for producing strategic thinkers sealed the decision.”
Ramirez doesn’t downplay the challenge of completing the rigorous program while maintaining his military duties. The workload required strict discipline and meticulous time management, with frequent early mornings and late nights dedicated to coursework.
That effort has paid dividends. The program sharpened analytical, leadership, and policy evaluation skills that now directly influence Ramirez’s work developing security plans, conducting threat assessments, and advising command staff.
“It’s demanding but manageable if you’re organized,” he said. “I relied on structured scheduling and prioritization, treating my studies with the same discipline I bring to military operations.”
Real-World Applications
The program’s greatest strength, according to Ramirez, was “its immediate applicability to real-world challenges.” He adds, “Every assignment could be tied back to an operational challenge I was facing.”
Coursework in ethics and criminal procedure also strengthened his decision-making under pressure, “ensuring compliance with both military and federal laws during high-stakes situations. Research and data analysis from the program now directly influence how I approach crime trend analysis, risk assessments, and resource allocation.”
For Ramirez, one professor in particular left a lasting impact. Professor Victor Fazio’s emphasis on evidence-based policing and policy reform fundamentally reshaped his approach to security planning and interagency collaboration.
“He taught me to question whether established protocols were actually the most effective approaches,” they explained. “I went from being someone who executes policy to someone who can contribute to changing it.”
A Community of Support
Beyond the faculty, Ramirez praised the resources available to USC students who have served or
are currently serving. “USC offers a community of experienced professionals who can assist in
navigating your journey and empowering students to succeed.”
Ramirez went on to emphasize the importance of utilizing USC’s Veterans Resource Center as a
hub for connection and growth, “where you can connect with other veteran students, attend
workshops, and find mentors to gain insights into their experiences, networking opportunities,
and career paths.”
Looking to the Future
Ramirez envisions Security Forces increasingly operating in joint environments with civilian law enforcement and private security, with emerging technologies like cybersecurity threats, unmanned aerial systems, and integrated intelligence-sharing platforms shaping the field’s future.
“Having the opportunity to work alongside civilian law enforcement officers, attorneys, and corrections professionals was a major asset of the program. I still network with several classmates and collaborate on security-related research and training ideas. Those connections continue to provide value long after graduation.”
In fact, for Ramirez, his post-military career aspirations are focused toward strategic-level roles influencing defense security policy and enhancing partnerships between the Department of Defense and civilian agencies. “That’s where I think I can make the biggest impact,” he says.
Leadership Through Service
“I firmly believe that the most effective leaders prioritize serving others,” and for Ramirez, that
service extends beyond the Air Force and into the Trojan Family. Ramirez is also an Ambassador
for the MS in Criminal Justice program at USC.
“I chose to become a graduate ambassador because I believe education has the power to transform lives, just as it transformed mine. Becoming an ambassador gives me the opportunity to help others, especially fellow veterans, navigate that journey with confidence. I want to share what I’ve learned, connect them with the right resources, and remind them that they belong here and are fully capable of succeeding.”
Ramirez when on to say, “For me, it’s not just about academics; it’s also about service and giving back. Helping others achieve their educational goals is a continuation of that calling to serve—just in a different uniform.”
Advice for Future Students
For those considering the criminal justice program at USC, Ramirez offers straightforward advice: approach it with a mindset of applying what you learn in real-time, and engage fully with classmates who represent diverse perspectives and experiences.
Success in the program requires time management, adaptability, critical thinking, and, most importantly, a willingness to engage with viewpoints that might challenge existing assumptions.
“If you come in thinking you already know everything, you’ll miss the whole point,” he said. As for the impact of the degree on his career? Ramirez is unequivocal.
“It’s positioned me to contribute to policy changes that improve joint operations between military and civilian agencies,” they said. “That’s a significant shift in both my role and my influence, and it wouldn’t have been possible without USC’s program.”
USC’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is designed for working professionals and
focuses on leadership development and policy application.
USC Bovard College is a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Speak to an
Admissions Advisor to learn more.