A circuit and method for self-converging programming of a charge storage memory cell, such as NROM or floating gate flash. The method includes determining a data value from one of more than two data values to be stored in the memory cell, and applying a gate voltage to the control gate at one of a predetermined set of gate voltage levels selected in response to the determined data value. Programming parameters are controlled to establish a self-converging threshold state that is determined by the selected gate voltage. In this manner, the threshold voltage converges on a target threshold corresponding with the determined data value for the memory cell. Program verify operations are reduced or eliminated in various embodiments, reducing the overall time required for the program operation, and improving device performance. A second portion of the program operation can include verify operations to improve threshold margins across the array.