Semiconductor device and operating method of the semiconductor device

A method for operating a semiconductor device, the method comprising:

• receiving multi-bit data to be programmed in each of a plurality of memory cells;
• applying different bias voltages to bit lines corresponding to selected memory cells among the plurality of memory cells according to a logical value of the multi-bit data;
• applying a program voltage to a selected word line corresponding to the selected memory cells;
• and
• verifying whether each of the selected memory cells corresponding to the selected word line is programmed to a respective target program state.

A semiconductor device comprising:

• memory cells each configured to store multi-bit data;
• bit lines corresponding to the respective memory cells;
• word lines electrically coupled to gate electrodes of the memory cells;
• and
• a control logic configured to sort program states of a memory cell that store multi-bit data into a plurality of groups, control application of different bias voltages to bit lines corresponding to a selected group among the plurality of groups, control application of a program voltage to a selected word line corresponding to the selected group, and verify whether each of a plurality of selected memory cells corresponding to the selected word line is programmed to a respective target program state.