Applying to two programs at one school? (History/American Studies)

[tortellini9685]

Hello!

 

I am planning to apply for a History PhD program, and one of the professors there told me to also apply for their American Studies program. A few people I've asked have said that it looks REALLY bad and indecisive to submit applications to two programs at one school, but this professor specifically told me to apply for American Studies in addition to History.

 

Should I be reading that as code for "just apply to AmSt, forget History," or would applying to both really be the way to go?

 

Thanks for your thoughts!