To accredit a program means to officially recognize and approve it as meeting certain standards or criteria. This can be done by an external agency, such as an educational accrediting body, which evaluates the quality of the program based on factors like curriculum, faculty, facilities, and student outcomes. Accreditation is typically granted for a specific period of time, after which the program must undergo re-evaluation to maintain its status. Being accredited can be important for students, as it may affect their eligibility for financial aid or transfer credits, and for institutions, as it can impact their reputation and standing within the academic community.