Top colleges for board game design?

I've always been fascinated by board games and would love to study board game design in college. Does anyone know which colleges offer strong programs or courses in this area?

Yes, there are indeed colleges that offer programs which aim towards board game design! Most often, board game design would fall under the broader category of 'Game Design'. There are several good schools with strong programs/courses that would be relevant.

1. University of Southern California (USC) - USC is recognized for its game design program, which includes a BA in Interactive Entertainment. This program imparts core skills in design, but also allows students to venture into their own interests within the realm of game design.

2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - MIT's Comparative Media Studies program includes a Games and Playable Media stream. Here, students study game design theory, digital game development, and even board game design.

3. University of Utah - Offering a dedicated Entertainment Arts & Engineering program, which is highly ranked for game design. Specializations within the program include Game Art, Game Production, and Game Engineering – all of which can be used to develop skills useful for board game design.

4. Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) - RIT's School of Interactive Games & Media offers a comprehensive program where students are given the opportunity to explore all types of game design, potentially including board games.

Remember to look for programs that offer a mix of theoretical and practical skills in game design. Theory is crucial for understanding the principles of design, and practical experience can help you to apply these and develop board games of your own. Also, while researching colleges, look for schools that encourage and facilitate internships or co-op opportunities in the game industry - these can offer valuable experience and strengthen your future career prospects. Check the program details on each college's website for more specific information on courses offered. Good luck with your search!