When looking for game design degrees at traditional colleges, you may not always find programs that are specifically identified as being for game development or game design. Some schools will include gaming degrees as part of their other art and design programs. Look for terms like "digital arts" or "interactive media" to find game-focused coursework.
While pursuing your degree, you will likely pursue courses that analyze how games are played in order to learn user-centered design. You will also learn the fundamentals of drawing and animation as well as graphic and software design. In order to understand and design physical movements in your games, you may take courses in physics and mechanical engineering.
The Princeton Review ranked the top game design programs based on a survey that rated quality of curriculum, faculty and facilities as well as financial support and career opportunities. The University of Southern California is at the top of both lists. Other good undergraduate programs include the University of Utah, Art Institute of Vancouver, Drexel University and Rochester Institute of Technology. Rochester, Drexel, and the University of Utah all have top graduate programs as well.