Born to William Fairfield Warren and Harriet (Merrick) Warren. He attended Boston University where he received an A.B. in 1887 and a Ph. D. in 1891. His father served as President of the university from 1873 to 1903.

Warren became served as Professor of philosophy and became Dean of the College of Liberal Arts in 1904. Freshmen were required to take his course on “Collegiate Life,” which features questions about the campus and downtown Boston, and are expected to explore the city to discover its history and beauty.