Social sciences provide analytical points of view that explore new issues related to the well-being and welfare and a world in constant motion. The Department of Social Sciences at the University of Eastern Finland is multidisciplinary, and it operates both in Joensuu and in Kuopio. We warmly welcome you to study with us, or simply learn more about our activities!
100
Employees
1,100
Bachelor's and Master's degree students
120
Postgraduate students
Studying
The undergraduate education at the Department of Social Sciences provides the students with a strong discipline-based education and the abilities needed for the diverse and changing tasks in working life that require expertise in social sciences, as well as eligibility for postgraduate studies in their major subject. The teaching is of high quality with regard to the pedagogy and the content, and it develops a dialogue between theory and practice, internationality, and readiness for working life. The teaching takes advantage of the opportunities provided by the different learning environments in a variety of ways.
The teaching at the Department of Social Sciences emphasises both all-around education in social sciences and specialisation based on the research carried out at the department in tandem. The teaching focuses on action learning so that strong theoretical thinking can be transferred into real operating environments during the thematic studies.
Research
The mission statement of the Department of Social Sciences adheres to the scientific university tradition, in which teaching is based on research. The department makes use of a dialogue between different fields, looking for fresh and unique approaches to the challenges of social research. The research conducted by the department is internationally acclaimed and socially significant. The department's scientists participate analytically and critically in social dialogue as well as several international research and postgraduate studies networks.
The research conducted in the department is free, open and public, and its results are intended equally for scientists, citizens, authorities and NGOs. The department's research policy emphasises equality and scientific freedom, both as the ethical grounds for research and as starting points for research practices and recruitment. In addition to the principles outlined above, the department's research strategy is based on two premises:
1) The research traditions of its academic subjects
2) The strategic research policies of the University of Eastern Finland
The relevance of social research primarily arises from four factors. These are 1) the participation of faculty in social debate within their area of expertise and publications on popular forums; 2) training experts and professionals for the diverse tasks in working life; 3) introducing new models of thought and action to professional practices such as the institution of education, working life, multiculturalism work, social work and welfare services; and 4) participation in the planning, decision-making and implementation related to reforms and in international discussion in these areas.
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Contact information




Päivi Armila
+358503628068






Joanna Bunikowska











Tiina Sotkasiira
+358504423770








Janissa Miettinen
+358447162319











Agnieszka Repo
+358504661874




Heli Tiirola
+358504557081



Thomas Akintayo
+358469231680















JOENSUU
Sosiology
Tapio Aittola, PhD (Education) (sociology of education)
Frederic Dervin (sociology, especially multiculturalism)
Tuula Gordon, Doctor of Philosophy (sociology of education, especially women’s studies)
Hannu Itkonen, D.Soc.Sc. (sociology of physical exercise)
Leena Koski, D.Soc.Sc. (sociology of education)
Jukka Oksa, D.Soc.Sc. (rural sociology)
Ilkka Pirttilä, YTT (sociology, especially the sociology of information)
Vesa Puuronen, D.Soc.Sc. (sociology of education, especially youth studies)
Pertti Rannikko, D.Soc.Sc. (rural and environmental research)
M'hammed Sabour (sociology, especially cultural sociology)
Pasi Tulkki (sociology of education)
P. Louis van Elderen, PhD (cultural sociology)
Tkach Olga, PhD (sociology, specially migration and welfare research)
Social and Public Policy
Saara Koikkalainen, D.Soc.Sc. (Social and Public Policy, especially Mobilities and Borders)
Anneli Anttonen , D.Soc.Sc. (social and public policy, especially social services)
William R. Copeland , D.Soc.Sc. (political history)
Tarja Cronberg, D.Sc. (Tech.), D.Sc. (Econ.) (technology policy)
Teppo Eskelinen, D.Soc.Sc. (social and public policy, especially political economics)
Risto Eräsaari, D.Soc.Sc. (social and public policy)
Jan Hesselberg , MA, prof. (research on developing countries)
Johanna Hiitola, D.Soc.Sc. (social and public policy)
Anita Kangas, D.Soc.Sc. Professor (cultural policy)
Kimmo Kiljunen, PhD (development research)
Pertti Koistinen, PhD (social and public policy, especially employment policy)
Jyrki Käkönen, D.Soc.Sc. (international politics, especially population policy)
Osmo Lampinen, D.Soc.Sc. (education policy)
Hannu Nurmi, D.Soc.Sc. (methodology of social sciences)
Eeva Puumala, D.Soc.Sc. (social and public policy, especially in mobility and political agency)
Jorma Sipilä, D.Soc.Sc. (social and public policy)
Ismo Söderling, D.Soc.Sc. (social and public policy, especially the population policy)
Silva Tedre, D.Soc.Sc. (social and public policy, especially care research)
Antti Teittinen, D.Soc.Sc. (social and public policy, especially disability research)
Maritta Törrönen, D.Soc.Sc. (social and public policy, especially childhood studies)
KUOPIO
Social pedagogy
Foster Raisa, PhD (social pedagogy, especially artistic research and practice)
Puolimatka Tapio, PhD (Education), D.Soc.Sc. (social pedagogy, especially educational philosophy)
Salonen Arto O., PhD (social pedagogy, especially ecosocial welbeing research)
Social policy
Hagfors Robert, D.Soc.Sc. (social policy)
Juntunen Esko, D.Soc.Sc., M.A., M.Sc. (Agr. & For.) (social policy, especially cooperative systems)
Niemelä Heikki, D.Soc.Sc. (social policy, especially social insurance)
Nilson Jerker, Prof, Dr. (social economy)
Pusa Olli, D.Soc.Sc. (social policy, especially social security policy)
Schediwy Robert, Dr, jur., M.A. (social economy)
Vilmi Veikko, D.Soc.Sc., PhD (Education) (education policy)
Social psychology
Eskola Jari, D.Soc.Sc. (social psychology, especially research methods)
Finell Eerika, YTT (social psychology)
Järventie Irmeli, D.Soc.Sc. (social psychology)
Kalliola Satu, D.Soc.Sc. (social psychology of working life)
Minkkinen Jaana, D.Soc.Sc. (Social Psychology, special field Well-Being Research in Children and Adolescents)
Molander Gustaf, MD, Lic.Phil. (thanatology)
Social work
Aaltonen Elli, D.Soc.Sc. (management of social work and social welfare)
Erath Peter, Prof, Dr. (social work, especially the theory of social work)
Karvinen Synnöve, D.Soc.Sc. (professional practices of social work)
Mäntysaari Mikko, D.Soc.Sc. (social work)
Orjasniemi Tarja, D.Soc.Sc. (social work, especially substance use and substance abuse research)
Piirainen Keijo, D.Soc.Sc. (social work, especially rehabilitation)
Pirskanen Henna, D.Soc.Sc. (Social Work, especially Childhood and Family Research)
Romakkaniemi Marjo, D.Soc.Sc. (social work, especially empowering social work and mental health issues)
Tarukannel Veijo, D.Sc.(Admin.), LL.Lic. (public law)
Turtiainen Kati, D.Soc.Sc. (Social Work, especially Research on Work with Migrants)
Sociology
Erola Jani, D.Soc.Sc. (sociology)
Hiilamo Heikki, D.Soc.Sc., PhD (Education), M.Sc.(Econ. and Bus.Adm.) (sociology)
Kainulainen Sakari, D.Soc.Sc. (sociology)
Myllykangas Markku, PhD (Health Sciences) (sociology of health)
Notkola Veijo, PhD (sociology)
Pessi Anne Birgitta, Dr.theol. (sociology)
Savolainen Jukka, PhD (sociology, the statistical study of welfare)
Tkach Olga, PhD (sociology, specially migration and welfare research)
Philosophy
Pihlström Sami, PhD (philosophy, especially value philosophy and the philosophy of humanity)
Pirkkoliisa Ahponen, Social and Public Policy
Ari Antikainen, Sociology
Juhani Laurinkari, Social Policy
Sabour M'hammed, Sociology
Pauli Niemelä, Social Policy, Social Work
Pirjo Pölkki, Child Welfare
Joensuu Campus
Postal address
University of Eastern Finland
Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies
Department of Social Sciences
Joensuu campus
P.O. Box 111, FI-80101
Finland
Visiting address
Yliopistokatu 7, Metria, 2th floor, Joensuu
Kuopio Campus
Postal address
University of Eastern Finland
Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies
Department of Social Sciences
Kuopio campus
P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211
Finland
Visiting address
Yliopistonranta 1 E, Snellmania D-door, 3th floor