Good College for Game Concept Art?

[MegInABox]

I really want to pursue a career in creature design concept art for video games. I've heard that I should look for an illustration major for that, but I've also heard game design/interactive media is what I'm looking for, but those usually come with an animation and special effects degree that I don't want. What major should I be looking for in a college?

In addition, my parents want me to go to a "real college," not an art college, so I'm looking for a college with a good program and then an art college I can go to for graduate school. I'm looking for an undergrad program preferably in the Midwest; does anyone know a good college? I'm looking at Bradley University, Valparaiso University, KCAD, Depaul University, and Northwestern University.

[Dusty]

I can't answer your question for a good school, but I just wanted to let you know that "creature design concept art" is not really something you can learn to do as a sole profession.

You might be a concept artist, but you won't do just creatures...you'll have human characters, vehicles, guns, etc etc.

I only say this because I am also quite fond of creatures and when I was in school, I said the same first sentence as you. But you learn fairly quickly that in the real world you do not have the luxury of being so specific with your talents.

/advice you didn't ask for...
Good luck on finding your school!