If you're interested in learning more about the history of psychology, one of the best places to start is to learn a bit more about the people behind many of the best-known psychology theories. Here are just a few interesting tidbits about some of the most prominent figures in psychology.

• B.F. Skinner earned his undergraduate degree in English Literature and spent some time as a struggling novelist before changing his focus to psychology.


• Jean Piaget published his first scientific paper at the tender age of 11.


• Erik Erikson's interest in identity began early in life. At temple school, he was teased for being tall, blond and blue-eyed, while his grammar school classmates rejected him for his Jewish background. He later learned that his biological father had abandoned the family and that the man Erikson thought was his father was actually his stepfather.


• William James, often called the father of American psychology, was also the brother of the writer Henry James. He also studied painting with William Morris Hunt, but eventually went on to study medicine at Harvard Medical School.


• Mary Whiton Calkins was denied a degree from Harvard simply because she was a women, despite the fact that she has completed all of the necessary coursework for a doctorate degree.

After you have learned a bit more about these famous psychologists, test your knowledge of the lives, careers and contributions of a number of prominent psychologists in this psychology quiz: Who Am I? - A Quiz on Famous Thinkers in Psychology

Also, be sure to check out our list of some of the most influential psychologists and share your own opinion about who else deserves to be called one of psychology's most eminent thinkers.

Learn More:

• A Brief History of Psychology
• Profiles of Major Thinkers in Psychology
• Can You Identify These Famous Psychologists

Looking for your first job or finding a new one can be a daunting task at any time, but it can be particularly grueling when you're facing a tight job market. If you are not quite sure exactly what type of job to look for with your degree, then be sure to check out this list of psychology-related professions.

Check out some of the psychology job resources to aid in your job search.
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Many of these jobs require direct education and experience in psychology. Other professions are focused in different areas, yet are often open to those with a background in psychology. Of course, each profession has its own unique set of qualifications and requirements, which may involve graduate study in psychology or another field.

If you are still in the early stages of career planning, then be sure the take the psychology career quiz to discover which options are best suited to your needs and interests.

Alison Doyle, About.com's Guide to Job Searching, has a lot of great tips and resources to help job seekers. Learn how to develop a targeted cover letter , and then begin writing your resume. Finally, spend some time preparing for your interview in order to present your best possible self to potential employers.

Definition: A neuron is a nerve cell that is the basic building block of the nervous system. Neurons are similar to other cells in the human body in a number of ways, but there is one key difference between neurons and other cells - neurons are specialized to transmit information throughout the body. Read more...

Related Reading:

• The Structure of a Neuron
• Brain Anatomy
• The Nervous and Endocrine Systems

_{Image courtesy Piotr Bizior}

A reader writes: "I graduated from college a few years ago with an undergraduate degree in economics. Lately, I've been thinking a lot about pursuing a career in psychology. Can I apply to a psychology graduate program if my previous degree is in a completely different field?"

Earning a graduate degree in a field that differs from a student's undergraduate program is more common than you might think. For example, students with an undergraduate degree in psychology sometimes choose to earn a graduate degree in an alternative field such as counseling, social work or law. You can certainly study psychology at the graduate level with an undergraduate degree in economics (or another area of concentration). However there are a few factors you should consider:

• What requirements does the graduate program have? If you have not yet taken some of the prerequisites, you should consider taking those courses before applying to the program.
• Have you taken the required tests? Many graduate programs require at least a certain score on both the GRE and the psychology subject test.
• Have you shown an aptitude or interest in the subject? Previous coursework and volunteer experiences are great ways to demonstrate that you have the ability to excel in the study of psychology.

Tara Kuther, About.com's Guide to Graduate School, offers some great advice for students interested in changing fields between undergraduate and graduate school. Learn more about some of the things you should consider and steps you should take in her article on earning a grad degree in a different field.