Kauppatieteet

Kauppatieteet is the Finnish term for the academic field that studies business, markets and economic organization. It encompasses disciplines such as business administration, accounting, finance, marketing, management, and industrial economics, and combines theoretical inquiry with practical applications for firms, public organizations and non‑profit entities.

As an academic subject, kauppatieteet is taught and researched at Finnish universities and business schools. Programmes typically offer bachelor's and master's degrees, and many graduates continue to doctoral studies or professional qualification courses. The Finnish master’s degree in the field is commonly recognized as Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration (kauppatieteiden maisteri).

Research and teaching in kauppatieteet use a range of methods, from quantitative econometrics and financial modelling to qualitative case studies and organizational analysis. Common research themes include corporate strategy, market behavior, accounting practices, public sector economics, entrepreneurship and business law. Interdisciplinary links with sociology, psychology, law and information systems are frequent.

Graduates of kauppatieteet pursue careers in corporate management, finance and banking, consulting, marketing, public administration and start‑ups. The field aims both to improve decision‑making in economic organizations and to generate knowledge about how markets and institutions function. The term is specific to Finnish academic contexts but corresponds broadly to business and economic sciences internationally.