A method for programming a flash memory device is provided, where the flash memory device includes a plurality of memory cells, and where a threshold voltage of each of the memory cells is programmable in any one of plural corresponding data states. The method includes programming selected memory cells in a first data state, verifying a result of the programming, successively programming selected memory cells in at least two or more data states corresponding to threshold voltages which are lower than a corresponding threshold voltage of the first data state, and verifying results of the successive programming.